Readers' Letters - April 23 2009

Readers' letters from the April 23 issue of the Observer.

Beware - our hospitals could decide to hide behind secrecy

The recent news St Richard's hospital in Chichester has merged with Worthing and Southlands hospitals to form the Western Sussex Hospitals Trust, and that the new joint trust intends to apply for Foundation Trust status within the next year, is obviously a good step in the right direction.

However, beneath the headlines there are still some dangers as far as the future of St Richard's is concerned.

Clearly we all hope the balance of acute activity between the two sites will be rather more equitable than the PCT's Fit for the Future proposals.

To this end, the PCT has initiated an exercise to determine just how A&E, consultant-led maternity and pediatrics facilities are to be provided in Chichester and Worthing, but there is as yet no assurance each type of activity will be provided equally on each site.

A whole series of committees has been set up to determine the best way forward.

They are due to report in the autumn, and final decisions are scheduled to be taken at the PCT board meeting in October.

The outcome is by no means certain, though one would hope the PCT has learned some lessons from the FFF debacle.

A second, and perhaps more sinister, possibility is that if and when the Western Sussex Hospitals Trust is granted foundation status, the trust's board of directors will have the option of holding all their board meetings in private, without even the agendas or minutes being published in the public domain.

This would be a grossly retrograde step, and I very much hope the SHA, the PCT, and the chairman and chief executive of the new joint trust will resist the temptation to conduct such activities in secret in the future.

As an aside, this is what happened in the now infamous Stafford Hospital Foundation Trust, and look where that has got them!

The purpose of this letter is therefore to recommend people do not relax their guard as far as the future of St Richard's is concerned, and especially to watch out for developments concerning the balance of A&E, maternity and pediatrics facilities between Worthing and Chichester.

We also all need to beware of the nuances associated with the gaining Foundation Trust status.

It seems to me those who would wish to shut their doors to the general public and instead to meet and debate in secret have something to hide, and that they do not understand the continuing need for openness and public accountability.

Derek Waller, Surrey Wharf, Arundel

My fears for future of Graylingwell eco-site

As a city resident I have been following the Graylingwell site development with some interest, but have become concerned over the apparent lack of open consultation, especially in terms of public access to the precise plans of this large-scale development, and in particular the fundamental issue regarding future road access.

I understand that under normal planning rules when planning permission is granted, important details such as road access are agreed before the development commences.

On this occasion the county council intends to be more flexible. To complicate this further, members of the public are directed to the developers' website which obviously has a corporate perspective with various artistic impressions but no precise detailed plans.

Interested parties are then re-directed to the Chichester District Council planning website to view the plans in more detail.

However, CDC planning website has not been accessible to the public for several weeks: it merely reads 'due to technical difficulties public access has not been available'.

This results in members of the public currently being denied their rights of access, consultation or comment on such plans.

Although I agree in principle with the Graylingwell development with at least 40 per cent of the 750 new homes being allocated to affordable housing, I am concerned at the rather naive assumption that appears to be evolving.

By simply building energy-efficient homes it will not prevent occupants from using cars.

The phased development also includes a site for a new school, so this will require appropriate road access.

The latest Initiatives magazine informs readers it is the intention of this building site to be one of the largest zero-carbon schemes in the country.

I sincerely trust CDC planning department and county councillors grasp the nettle now in terms of vital road access issues that such a large development requires, by contemplating a much-required northern city route as opposed to their pragmatic approach, which will only contribute to the current city gridlock.

David Gaylard, Peacock Close, Chichester

Cycle helmets must remain personal choice

The Barkes at Large column discussing cycle-helmet use was a good, balanced article.

Some people, no doubt, demand enforcement of helmet wearing while some are against compulsion, both justifying it by using some questionable statistics.

The whole subject is actually very complex with many arguments for and against – it is not such a simple subject as first appears.

It must be a personal decision and we must not take away that right to choose. If an individual feels happier wearing a helmet, fine. If you would rather not, that must be your right.

As mentioned in the article, will horse riders and ice skaters be the next in line to be considered for control? After that, it would then have to be motorists.

How many motorists could be saved injuries by wearing crash helmets? Many times we unfortunately read reports of traffic accidents where the occupants suffered head injuries? Would a crash hat have saved those injuries?

For example, on Top Gear a celebrity will drive a very low-powered family car around Dunsfold Aerodrome, with no other traffic around, but they still insist on a crash hat being worn. Think how much more at risk we are on the open road.

It is only one more small step, we must all be very careful not to head towards total state control of everyday activities.

John Wren, Shore Road, East Wittering

Don't miss out on your right to watch TV for free

If you're preparing for a spring clean of your finances, it's a good time to make sure, if you're over the age of 75, you're claiming your free TV licence.

Around 7,150 people in Chichester are already enjoying the benefits of the concession, but you do need to apply for it.

Anyone who is eligible simply needs to contact TV Licensing on 0844 800 5875 with their name, address, date of birth and national insurance number. The licence covers the applicant's main home and any other household members who live at that address.

People who are 74 can buy a short-term licence which will cover them until they become eligible to apply for the free licence on their 75th birthday.

Once a free licence has been issued it is renewed automatically for a three-year period. In 2007, TV Licensing introduced the three-year free licence, so if you or a relative have already got a free licence, don't worry if you haven't received a new one in the post.

Joanna Pearce, TV Licensing, London

Cats can be taught to behave nicely

Richard Ede (Observer letters) raises his concerns about the predatory behaviour of cats and their fouling of gardens.

It is very distressing if cats catch birds and I can understand the frustration of gardeners.

Mishka and Bruno – my Burmese cats – come indoors to the toilet and as yet have not brought me any 'presents'.

The measures I take, apart from the obvious of large, loud bells, are to keep them in at dawn and dusk and play hunting games with them at length during the day.

I appreciate not every cat owner has the time to do this and Burmese cats tend to stay near home.

However, there are some measures people can take as advised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. They have an information pamphlet entitled Cats and garden birds with more ideas. Telephone 01767 680551 or log on to their website at www.rspb.org.uk

Very young kittens can sometimes be trained to use a human toilet with patience and perseverance.

Log on to Doogie's Litter Kwitter at www.litterkwitter.com.

From March until July baby birds are more vulnerable and if found on the ground, the RSPB advises to place them nearby in the hedge so the mother bird can find them.

'The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together.' Isaiah 11.5.

This prophecy is yet to come and we have to realise nature is red in tooth and claw.

Carole Irvine, Orchard Close, Petworth

Such community kindness

On behalf of the residents of Rose Court, I would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all who helped us when our carport was on fire last Friday evening.

The firemen arrived promptly but we saw little of them because the blaze was so great and they were occupied, but the kindness and concern of the police was wonderful.

Neighbours and friends appeared from nowhere to help and we were escorted to the Fernleigh Centre, which was lovely and warm and tea and coffee was freely given.

Although we are still in shock and shaken, it is reassuring to know such kindness exists in our community in Chichester.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to our own manager, Simon Wedgwood, who was utterly professional throughout. We are very lucky to be in such capable hands.

Jane Lawrence, chairman, Rose Court Residents' Association, Chichester

Hit dog owners in pocket

I do so agree dog owners who fail to pick up after their pets should be hit where it hurts most – in the pocket.

There is no need not to pick up, and the few are giving the rest of us a bad name.

I always go out with plenty of bags, and in the past have offered other dog owners one.

The look and disgust on faces – 'what do I need that for?' they say.

I tell them they may come into our village from wherever and want to let the dog foul and then walk away, but not if I'm around to catch you!

The cycleways at Lavant Down are often fouled, yet there is a dog bin right under their noses, so there's no excuse. Or if it is picked up, you can see bags hanging from hedgerows.

Hunters Race is another bad spot. It's a lovely green space with cowslips just about to flower, yet it's spoilt by dog mess.

We need more dog-fouling signs up, but I expect they will fall on blind eyes.

I also think a dog warden should go to schools and talk to children about what to do when they are out with their dog. I have never seen children pick up after their family pet.

I only wish there was an easy answer then we would all be happy.

And who do we have to contact about horses on the cycleway?

As of late, horses are coming down from West Dean and Binderton – hoof prints tell the tale – and up from Brandyhole Lane to Hunters Race, spoiling the lovely play and flower area. They are not supposed to be on a cycleway and walkway.

Mrs Rose Holder (owner of dog Tilly), Midhurst Road, Lavant

All I wanted was a stamp...

I took the bus into town and called in at Chichester main post office to get a book of stamps, as I often do. However, there was, as usual, a large queue for the counter staff (with only three kiosks open as is seemingly the norm these days).

In the past I used to be able to get any small stationery items at the small shop in the corner of the main post office, but this is no longer there.

I asked a member of staff how I might get a book of stamps without having to queue and she referred me to a stamp book machine outside around the corner.

However, once I had located this machine, it turned out it required the correct money in coins (4.68 for a book of 12 first-class stamps) and no change given.

Since I did not have this amount in change I was unable to purchase the stamps I required.

As it was I had a bit of a rush to catch the bus home, which I almost missed.

So I am left wondering how the Post Office can possibly justify its decision to remove the shop, especially as this is coming on the heels of the decision to close another Chichester branch (in Sadlers Walk) and the subsequent failure to open sufficient kiosks in the main post office to cope with the increased demand.

Dr L Wallis, Summersdale Road, Chichester

Stormtrooper was popular - but we'd love a celebrity

I would like to respond to the letter in last week's Bognor Regis Observer from a resident who was disappointed the summer illuminations were switched on by a Star Wars Stormtrooper and not a celebrity.

I can assure Victoria Clarke we make strenuous efforts each year to find a celebrity to do the honours, but often it is not as easy as it sounds.

It is very difficult in our experience to book celebrities, especially as you are looking for them to do it as an honour rather than for payment – that is, of course, if you are lucky enough to track down the agent who manages the celebrity's diary.

Often you write and more often than not you don't even get a reply; we have in the past asked very local big rising stars to turn the lights on, and even when you hand deliver it to their front door, you don't get the courtesy of a reply.

With regard to the Stormtrooper being someone in fancy dress, it was in fact a very expensive outfit, issued and used under licence and identical in virtually every detail to those used in the Star Wars films.

Furthermore, the Stormtrooper would appear to have been a very popular choice for many on the seafront that evening, judging by the vast numbers of people wanting to have their photos taken with him.

I suspect if we were willing to pay the going rate for an appearance by a celebrity, we would have no difficulty in attracting a name.

However, although we are delighted to put on events for the town that also support and help raise funds for the seafront illuminations, we have to balance the cost of doing so with the benefits they may bring, given that our all-volunteer group's main priority is maintaining the lights to an acceptable standard, against a background of rising costs and reduced income from traders and sponsorship.

That said, we would be delighted to consider all suggestions of big names for future switch-ons, so if anyone is related to, friends with or has contact details of someone they think would fit the bill, please don't hesitate to contact me.

I would like to thank all those who contributed to our street collection during the switch-on fireworks, which raised 190.89.

Jason Passingham, chairman, Bognor Regis Seafront Lights

We need an active team to put town on the map

Yes, Nicky Simmons of Felpham (Observer letters), I totally agree with you – Bognor Regis is in a rapid state of decline because of the non-caring attitude of its councillors and staff who should all be passionate about the future of our town.

I would like to see the council elected as 'Bognor Regis' members, not as political appointments.

During these poor economic times we need an active council, events committee and events department.

We must attract more visitors to help keep businesses going. I wonder why no effort was made over the Easter break for egg races, egg hunts and Easter bonnet parades on the Esplanade.

A lively events committee and staff could arrange something for every summer weekend – such as a Victorian weekend, a 1930s weekend, a bankrupt bankers' weekend, dressing-up weekends etc, etc, creating sales opportunities for local businesses.

In Beaumaris in Anglesey the events department are regularly on the beach organising cricket, rounders, football, basketball etc. This encourages children who, in turn, bring parents with them to spend money.

Sadly, I feel Bognor is in serious decline.

We need to encourage more bed-and-breakfast facilities and introduce things such as skating areas, Punch and Judy shows and other children's attractions, even donkey rides.

Perhaps a maypole dance, morris dancers etc on the Place St Maur in May would attract many people to Bognor. Perhaps even a junior clowns' parade! Lateral thinking!

The council should either wake up or give up. Energetic action could do much to revitalise Bognor Regis.

RBB Jones, Victoria Drive, Bognor Regis

Nicky Simmons of Felpham asked whether it is time for a change following council decisions recently.

It IS time for change.

At last there is a Bognor Regis resident who hasn't got their head in the sand (or should that be pebbles) and isn't afraid to speak up.

I agree wholeheartedly with the comments.

It's said councillors are narrow-minded, short-sighted and old-fashioned and on the whole I could not agree more. Many of them are indeed that, but not all.

Some are forward-thinking but are brought down by the louder voice of the majority who are out of touch with the residents of Bognor Regis.

In my voluntary capacity as trustee of a local charity, I have had reason to contact all the councillors who cover the Orchard and Pevensey wards. And what response have I had?

Well, despite two emails to all (using the contact details from the town hall website) and a personal letter to their home addresses, I have yet to receive any correspondence at all from some of them.

I would love to name and shame but I will not as I do not wish to embarrass them as they embarrass themselves in the way they carry out their duties and 'represent' their electorate.

As one of the electorate in Pevensey I feel let down, forgotten, pushed aside and ignored by the actions of the councillors in question. And I can guarantee I will not be voting for them in the future.

I spoke to a councillor a short while ago regarding community work being undertaken and proposed at the Bognor Regis Youth and Community Centre on Westloats Lane and I was met with the following response: 'Oh, I thought that had shut years ago...'

Do the councillors know what is happening in their own wards, let alone the wider Bognor Regis area?

These people are elected to represent the community which voted them in.

If you do not know what is happening in your ward...

If you do not represent the wishes of your electorate...

If you are out of touch with the community...

If you are narrow-minded and short-sighted...

If you are driven by your own agenda...

...do something for the good of your electorate and step down now before you drag the few remaining roots of hope out of the earth of Bognor Regis.

For their assistance, interest, communication, good wishes and recognition i would like to thank Cllr Jason Passingham (Lib Dem), Cllr Pat Dillon (Con), Cllr Simon McDougall (Lib Dem) in particular

as their support has shown their interest in their community is above and beyond reproach.

Cllr Jeanette Warr (Lib Dem), Cllr Adam Cunard (Con) and Cllr Sandra Daniells (Con) have also expressed their best wishes.

We have Independent, Lib Dem, Conservative and Labour councillors and using a term from Nicky Simmons, I think we should have a Nimbyist Party for those who are elected but then forget what they are there for.

Danny Dawes, Southover Road, Bognor Regis

Free swimming at a stroke - and yet we're not included...

I am disappointed to find out Arun District Council has turned down a government grant of 66,354 that would have enabled anyone over 60 to enjoy free swimming.

Additionally it has turned down the offer of funding for free swimming for under-16s.

If it had taken up both of these offers, it would have been possible to bid for some of the further 60m available for pool improvements.

The reason ADC has done this is – to quote from the cabinet meeting of August 2008 – 'because of the difficulties of ensuring participation in the programme would not present the council and Inspire Leisure with financial problems in meeting the demand for free swimming'.

But if you do the maths, there would need to be 46 additional over-60s customers every day of the year to use up the money. Likely? I don't think so.

For the over-60s, let's see what this demand really is.

I think it's safe to assume most people over 60 do not use the pools in the Arun district. So just how much revenue would be 'given away' to over-60s who would be swimming anyway?

Not much I bet; and far, far fewer than those grandparents who wish to take their grandchildren swimming; far fewer than people over 60 who fancy a quick 30-minute swim and don't think the 4.10 entrance charge worth it for that short time.

So how much additional cost do these new customers bring? A bit of extra effort to process them through the turnstiles, perhaps – I mean, they can hardly walk off with the water can they? In fact, they may well bring a bit of business to the cafe.

It is true a) the 66,354 is the figure confirmed for year one only, b) the grants would be available for only two years ending March 31, 2011, and so perhaps ADC might be concerned people would feel a bit aggrieved at not being able to swim for free after April 1, 2011 when the grant money runs out.

Although, by then, over-60s may have got the swimming habit and some of them would keep swimming – and not for free.

It seems to me the decision has been taken because of financial fright and not public welfare. Commendable or lamentable?

Oh well, over-60s will have to go to Chichester to swim for free – they do things differently there.

Geoff Farrell, Roundle Square Road, Felpham

All-party voice will add to the campaign to fight housing plan

We are delighted to have joined forces with our MP Nick Gibb and other local councillors across the political spectrum to fight against development of 2,500 houses at Chalcraft Lane.

In a move that is unprecedented in this area, we have agreed to fight the development on a non-political basis so the community of Bersted has a very powerful voice working for them.

We have long held the belief the community benefits when politicians work together across the political divide.

This issue surely transcends politics, given the character of the whole area could be changed forever.

This is a fight we cannot afford to lose otherwise the unwelcome concept of Bogchester will arise.

Furthermore, our road network is not capable of taking this development and the site itself is prone to groundwater flooding during the winter months.

Do not be fooled the figure bandied about of 2,500. This is a starting figure and could easily become 4,000.

People should also be mindful of the fact Arun's requirement to build 11,500 houses is a minimum could well be exceeded.

And the villains of the peace unbelievably are the very same Church Commissioners who have already gained financially from the sale of a large plot of land on site 6.

In his Easter address, the Archbishop of Canterbury warned against the excesses of greed and material possessions. By engaging in the LDF process, as well as planning to submit a planning application, they are doing exactly the opposite of the Archbishop's words.

They are putting their financial goals ahead of the long-term stability and needs of the community of Bersted.

We believe this organisation, which acts on behalf of the Church, should be practising what their elders preach.

Cllr Simon McDougall and Cllr Martin Lury, Mayfield Close, Bognor Regis

Our council-tax increases are so out of order

As usual West Sussex County Council is blaming the lack of funding by this government for the council tax increases.

As usual there are the same old threats of having to cut the services to us, the residents.

Cllr Louise Goldsmith said if she could have found a way of reducing the increase, she would leave 'no stone unturned'.

I suggest, councillor, the first stone to be turned is the huge one in Iceland where 13m of our hard-earned council tax was deposited, never to be returned.

Year on year lack of government funding is blamed for these huge increases in council tax, which are always way above inflation. So how is it possible for WSCC to have had 13m deposited in an Icelandic bank? This huge amount could – and should – have been used for the services the council keeps threatening to cut.

It would also have enabled WSCC to reduce the council tax burden on us each year.

I suppose we are the bottomless pocket the council can keep reaching into.

Council leader Henry Smith also blames the government for lack of funding. Surely, Mr Smith, there are a number of MPs in West Sussex who should be fighting this cause in parliament?

I would like to ask all our MPs and councillors why they implement and collect such a discriminating tax. Every household in this country uses the same services supplied by councils.

The difference between the lowest band and the highest is huge, not because the high band use more services, but because their houses are bigger. It's unfair and discriminating.

Come on, residents, start complaining. These councils have had it too good for too long.

MG Newman, Chalcraft Lane, Bognor Regis

Why I'm worried about county's cavalier attitude to pot-holes

The excellent articles on potholes in last week's Midhurst and Petworth Observer illustrated beyond doubt why there is great concern about West Sussex County Council's current policy on road maintenance.

I am one of many who have long been frustrated and annoyed by the cavalier attitude of the county council.

They have a statutory duty to maintain roads on behalf of us, the taxpayers who own them. They not only fail to do their duty, but their legal team ensures compensation is rarely paid to those who suffer damage as a result.

One of the articles in the paper referred to liability currently admitted in only 11 cases out of 500 claims received so far this year. This is an utterly shameful admission.

In reality the position is much worse than this, as experience has proved claiming is 'a waste of time'. Subsequently many people suffer without informing the county council.

Must this unreasonable state of affairs continue? Can it be changed?

I received an email from a senior highways officer of WSCC on February 13.

He said: "The Highways Act 1980 is specifically written to ensure highways authorities have a duty imposed on them to maintain those roads, footways and cycle tracks that are highways maintained at public expense (Section 41)."

However, he went on to say: "Section 58 states a statutory defence against third-party claims is provided where the highways authority can establish reasonable care has been taken to secure that part of a highway to which an action relates to a level commensurate with the volume of ordinary traffic, such as it was not dangerous to traffic. Our procedures and inspection regimes ensure that, as the highways authority, we fully comply with the requirements needed for a statutory defence."

Once every six months WSCC carry out a driven inspection of roads in this area. Do you believe such an infrequent inspection, considering the reality of the state of our roads, allows WSCC to honestly say they 'fully comply' with Section 58?

Bizarrely the onus is on the road users (who do not have the Section 41 responsibility) to supply written evidence of potential problems to WSCC (who do!) before a problem occurs so a Section 58 'excuse' cannot be made.

This is why, shortly after receiving the email, I walked the roads of this parish making notes, and wrote a five-page detailed audit of their condition which I sent to WSCC.

Is it coincidental the county council have since then not only admitted liability for one of the several incidents that have recently occurred on the hill below the Three Horse Shoes, but also mended a large number of potholes in this parish?

While most readers will not be in a position to undertake a road audit, can I suggest at the very least everybody keeps a paper trail when reporting a problem, and sends a copy to their parish clerk?

I have long been concerned by the electronic means of reporting that WSCC encourage us to use, as there is no back-up.

WSCC freely admit they have less money to spend each year on maintaining our roads. It is therefore incumbent on them to spend it effectively.

Eight years ago a number of parish councils representing the area west of Midhurst tried to put pressure on WSCC to resolve highways maintenance issues. The initiative failed, not least because WSCC made sure they set the agenda. The problem is now much worse.

Perhaps the project should be revived, with greater vigour, determination – and parish councils taking the lead?

Andrew Shaxson, chairman, Elsted and Treyford Parish Council

Congratulations to the Observer for highlighting the poor state of our roads.

However, the situation is even worse than you suggest.

The proliferation of potholes is not only caused by the failure of WSCC to mend them, it is also because they occur in increasing numbers with increasing frequency. This in turn is caused by the failure, over many years, to properly maintain the road structure, in particular the drainage.

In the short term, lack of attention to the drainage systems increases flooding and surface water on the roads, which causes more accidents, but the long-term effect is a steady deterioration of the foundation structure of the roads.

This causes the top surface to break up more readily, causing more potholes, greater expenditure on superficial repairs and even less money available for the long-term maintenance budget.

At the same time, large sums are being spent in the villages on 'street furniture' although it is clear from your columns the accidents occur on the open roads between the villages.

In our village there have been, I think, just three accidents in the past 15 years – one when an elderly lady had a heart attack and died behind the wheel and two when pedestrians stepped out in front of vehicles doing less than ten mph.

In spite of this, nearly 100,000 has been spent on new road markings, traffic islands, flashing speed signs and now pedestrian-activated traffic lights.

A majority of the village supported these works but I wonder how many of them realised they were diverting money away from other maintenance work elsewhere.

Andrew Moncreiff, UKIP PPC for Chichester, Cherrylands Close, Fernhurst

We're committed to improvements

The county council is responsible for about 80 per cent of the local public services received; these include schools, social care, the fire service, libraries and highways.

Most county councillors will tell you, however, it's the latter, highways, that accounts for around 80 per cent of enquiries from residents.

On reflection this should not be too surprising; not everyone has children of school age, not everyone uses the library and, fortunately, a minority of people need the fire service or social care assistance.

Just about all of us, though, use the highway, whether as pedestrians, cyclists and of course, most of us as motorists. Little wonder highways issues feature prominently in people's minds then.

With good reason, too; you and I are quite right to be concerned with road safety, the ability to travel to work or school without unnecessary delay and the quality of the street scene environment that either enhances, or detracts, from the areas we live in.

At this time of the year, as the evenings get longer and, hopefully, the spring weather arrives, we particularly notice the state of our roads, after the effects of winter months. This year those winter effects have ravaged our highways, with the worst freezing conditions in 18 years, followed by heavy spells of wet weather. All combine to create perfect pothole conditions.

In recent times things have been worse, however. This is because the ability to maintain our roads has been compromised by a cut in central government grant for highway works – in West Sussex's case, a Whitehall cut of more than 2m a year.

The county council does not think we West Sussex residents should simply put up with a second-class service, though. That is why we have introduced a Highways Rangers scheme, a rapid response unit, to improve the street scene and tackle problems, but more so we have just announced significant new investment, too.

West Sussex County Council, fully supported by local county councillor Nola Hendon, have announced, and already built in to this financial year's budget, an extra 1m for highways maintenance on top of that already normally spent on the service. We are calling it a 'highways blitz' to help improve road conditions and clear the backlog of works that central government underfunding has caused.

This commitment is not just for one year but for the next four years at least.

I hope you will agree, this additional highways funding commitment will not only improve our roads but will improve safety and help our local economy too.

Henry Smith, leader, West Sussex County Council, County Hall, Chichester

Thanks for all your support for charity

We would like to give heartfelt thanks to all those who support us in our effort to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support Midhurst.

This year we have presented a cheque to the fundraising office next door to us for 3,000.

This is a charity we support annually by running a fishing match and the sale of plants throughout the year. This donation is not one of our best efforts but we are pleased with the amount we have managed to raise in view of the current financial situation.

We sell the plants outside our house and the busiest time of year for us is the summer bedding plant season, which will be soon upon us.

During this time we spend a considerable amount of time on our doorstep giving customers advice about the plants we have for sale. We meet some lovely people and many have lost family or friends to cancer who have been looked after by the Macmillan Service and are only too willing to give generously for our fundraising efforts in memory of their loved ones.

In the summer several of our customers open their gardens for public viewing over two days to raise more money for Macmillan Cancer Support Midhurst, and some enter the annual Midhurst in Bloom contest. We feel proud our efforts give so much joy to many people.

As well as the fishing match and sale of plants, we also sell anything donated to us. We have a huge network of contacts and can find a buyer for almost everything (within reason).

With this in mind, we ask all our supporters to continue their good work and most importantly, the money we raise is actually donated to Macmillan Cancer Support Midhurst.

Although this is was not publically acknowledged this year, it is something dear to our hearts and something we will always continue to do.

Geoff and Lyn Oram, Bepton Road, Midhurst

I would like to thank Chichester District Council for granting our group permission to hold our fundraising bucket collection in Chichester on Saturday, April 4. Our thanks also go to the kind and generous people of Chichester, who helped us raise the amazing sum of 592.35 for local activities.

Pauline Ashwood, secretary, Parkinson Disease Society, Chichester and Bognor Regis Support Group

May I thank all those who recently generously gave to our collection outside the Minerva Theatre which raised 431.24. Donations such as these enable us to be there for those in distress or despair in our area.

Chris Ryder, secretary, Samaritans, Bognor Regis

I wish to thank all the people who bought the 2009 pink calendar Bognor Regis and Surrounding Area Then and Now printed by Dragonfly, Queensway, Bognor Regis.

All profit went to the young carers and the sum of 410 will enable six young people who live in rural areas to gain the opportunity and valuable support to have respite from their caring role for three months.

Young carers are the shining lights of our communities; often unknown and unsung youngsters who really do 'care'.

Three residents had the correct answer to the competition picture enclosed in the calendar. The name of Tim Turner of Hampshire Avenue, Bognor Regis, was drawn out with the answer being the area of what is now Morrisons in Bedford Street. He received a bottle of champagne and a large calendar donated by Dragonfly Printers.

Many thanks to them, Tudor News, Aldwick Street, Aldwick and Combinations Hair and Beauty Salon, Royal Parade, North Bersted for selling the calendars.

Sylvia R Olliver, Larch Close, North Bersted, Bognor Regis

To the point...

Now that further plans to house our town museum have come to nothing, would it not be possible to find another venue somewhere in the town?

In the arcade (a building of historical interest), a large shop stands empty. Could this be the perfect site for the museum?

It is in a sheltered position, near the sea with two cafes nearby and the arcade always appears to be full of people.

Surely the cost of renting or leasing this venue, and perhaps making some alterations, would be tiny compared with the cost of a new building?

I have much admiration for the members of our Local History Society, who voluntarily serve in the museum, and I think they deserve larger and more comfortable accommodation. I know that Bognor Regis does.

Elizabeth French, Worcester Close, West Meads

A recent letter highlighted the shabby appearance of The Regis restaurant on the seafront. The town and public areas are full of spring flowers.

The new turreted seafront flats are very attractive. There are many positive things happening in our town.

Can pressure be brought to bear on the management of The Regis to do their part to improve the appearance in keeping with the other buildings along the promenade?

Peter Lee, Apple Grove, Aldwick Bay

Someone at Bognor Regis Town Football Club must have kicked a large black cat during the close-season considering the ill luck that has befallen the club this season – Jack Pearce's illness, the loss of the social club, the points deduction, that home game with Basingstoke.

So now we are down to the Ryman Premier. It won't be easy there, but with Darin Kilpatrick at the helm, we know the Rocks will continue to play in the right manner, ie their passing game and, hopefully, have a good 2009-2010 season.

John Boniface, Streatfield Road, Uckfield

I am strongly against dedicating land for travellers in Barnham.

It would change the face of the village and, in my opinion, lead to an increase in crime and nuisance levels.

If we stop being nice and start being truthful, gypsy sites are historically unfavourable and villagers would in no way benefit from this development.

What about the rubbish and scrap that is often collected on gypsy sites, which leads to an unsightly village?

It's villagers who have to live with this, not politicians. Will they guarantee to fund the devaluation in our property?

Jane Bosson, Barnham

I have just read Cllr Mike Halls' proposal for a London-style congestion charge system for Chichester.

Does he realise such a system would lead to additional costs for all haulage companies delivering to any business within the designated area?

These costs would be passed on to their customers. This would either lead to a more expensive product for the end user or Chichester-based business absorbing the cost themselves.

Can businesses afford this additional expense or loss of competitive edge at a time when the country's economy is so fragile, or should they think about leaving Chichester to avoid the additional cost?

Are we just encouraging further development of out-of-town retail parks?

Please, Cllr Hall, think carefully before proposing another stealth tax.

Vernon Walker, finance manager, Bleach of Lavant Ltd

Disclosure of MPs' allowances being wrongly claimed seems to be systemic. There's an urgent need to discover what's going on, and not to wait until after the next general election.

John Flynn, Orchard Avenue, Selsey

Dog owners seem to be totally oblivious to the fact that, strange though it may seem, there are people who are terrified of dogs.

My worst nightmare is to be left to face a large dog running towards me intent on leaping and barking at me.

I, too, would ask dog owners to keep their pets under control and please would they not say 'it's all right, my dog won't hurt you'.

If I am already terrified, their dog already has.

Eileen Vincent, Redlands Lane, Emsworth

A few weeks ago, a child's scooter was dumped on my property in the St James's area of Chichester.

The scooter is silver and black, with chromium plating and spots of rust coming through. It has pneumatic tyres with Schrader valves.

It is not a cheap piece of equipment, and the circumstances make me sure it was stolen and some child is missing it.

I have written to the headteacher of the local school to see if they can help to trace the owner, but received no reply. Therefore, I wonder if I could use the Observer's letters page to try again.

If any reader recognises the above description, then please give me a call on 01243 530191 after 6pm and I will be pleased to arrange for the scooter's return.

Jeff Vinter, Chichester

I would like to thank all the ladies and gentlemen who came to help me when I fell down in Chichester. Three gentlemen helped me to get up, someone brought me a stool to sit on, and a lady and gentleman from a local shop made me a cup of tea and then got me a taxi to get me back to the house in Chichester where I am working as a carer.

Thank you all once again.

Barbara Harrison, Bournemouth

My father Kenneth Hide has asked me to express his thanks to all the staff on Singleton Ward at St Richard's Hospital. Last year he was admitted twice over a six-week period, then again on Christmas Eve.

His appreciation extends to the dedication of the ward manager Maria Carney, deputy ward manager Caroline Bailey and their team of nurses who don't receive enough praise for the hard job they all perform.

Also my thanks extend to Dr Tate and his team of doctors who managed to keep me up to date, even though I live in Canada. The nurses openly accepted my phone calls at strange times because of the eight-hour time difference.

Karen Hughes, Vancouver

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