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YOUR SAY - ARCHIVED
Letter posted 21/01/03
On the subject of the asylum seekers.
Please, the majority of these people are not true asylum
seekers.
They are economic migrants. They are coming to Britain
because it is a better way of life. Not because their life
or liberty is at risk.
If they were true asylum seekers, they would have claimed
asylum in the first EU country they entered.
So, let's not talk about Saltdean residents being racist.
This is about the British tax-payer's money being spent
on these people, when it should be spent on schools, hospitals,
and policing.
A Concerned Saltdean Resident
Letter posted 20/01/03
SRA's the Resident...The SRA appears to be suffering from
sour grapes. In the January issue of its newsletter, The
Resident, it claims just 82 residents voted for retaining
our existing community centre, while 127 people voted for
a new purpose-built building. The report goes on to say
"60 replies were received in a collective response,
after the votes had been counted, in favour of retaining
the existing. [sic]" The SRA knows full well that this
means 142 people voted to save Saltdean Community Centre.
These votes were collected by concerned residents and handed
in on the day of the deadline. It was not a collective vote,
it was sixty individual votes (each containing the name
and address of individual Saltdean residents). These were
no more collective than any of the other votes. But the
SRA obviously has plans of its own and will ignore the wishes
of the majority who took the time and trouble to vote. I
wonder why? Can some one from the SRA please explain here
on the debate page? Is it because the SRA and the Community
Association (the body responsible for selling off our community
building) are now in bed with one another? If so, we should
be told what this means. Is it because the Saltdean Community
project (whatever that is) is just so wonderful, we should
all be happy to discard the building we already have? If
so, we should be told. There's a lot more to this than meets
the eye, me thinks. And it begs the questions: if it is
decide that Saltdean should have a new building, where will
it be built, what will happen to the old one, what will
happen to all that money raised to install a lift, and who
decides: SRA members or the executive? That Evelyn George
strikes me as a capable and sensible woman. Can she set
my mind at rest before it becomes over-burdened with conspiracy
theories? Marina Baker
Letter posted 19/01/03
I do not accept the ridiculous 'excuse' from local MP Desmond
Turner and Council Chief executive David Panter that a 'clerical'
error is to blame for the Government's apparent U-turn in
regard to the above.
Do they really think that residents are naive enough
to let the Home Office run roughshod over the Local Community
with all the constant lies and complete lack of information
on this issue?
I have read recently in the local press that Marco Pasquale
(chief executive of the Grand Ocean) has said that the hotel
would not be 'swamped' with large groups of Asylum Seekers
- but nobody - be it Desmond Turner, the Brighton &
Hove council or the Home Office have provided any information
on the ACTUAL numbers involved or the anticipated duration
of their stay. All this rubbish talk of moving them on to
other accommodation after an initial period of 10 days at
the Grand Ocean is a complete fabrication, and something
that nobody would be able to check unless they camped outside
the Hotel!
What really upsets me though, is the shameful claims
by Desmond Turner, the Hotel managers involved and indeed
other Government ministers in the media, that by objecting
to the placement of these people is stirring up racial prejudice!
This is absolute nonsense and you are all trying to hide
behind this as an excuse for your own mistakes or personal
gains in failing to inform us properly on what is happening.
People have a genuine Human Right to express what they feel
on this matter and will not be told to 'shut up and get
on with it' for fear of inciting Racial hatred.
It is quite clear that between: Desmond Turner and the
Home Office, Brighton & Hove council and the Grand Hotel
there is a complete breakdown in the Communication of Information.
I have recently spoken with 'David Smith' (councilor for
Rottingdean) who informed me that any attempts he has made
to extract information from the Home Office on this issue,
have been completely in vain - as they are not prepared
to supply him with any details!!
Also, to add to the growing confusion - it was stated by
an article in one of last weekend's Sunday papers that the
Government have now actually 'Bought' the Grand Hotel in
Saltdean! What say would residents have then, if the Government
actually own the damned building! And how many more Asylum
seekers would that enable them to bring into Saltdean? The
Hotel has made allegations in the local press that they
are already 80% booked up for this year - which obviously
means that the Home Office have been busy allocating places
for these supposed 'Professional Asylum Seekers' at the
Hotel.
I am not prepared to put up any longer with the constant
excuses and lies that have been offered to us on this issue
so far, by all parties concerned with affecting it. I strongly
advise Mr.Turner, to not underestimate the growing tide
of local feeling against this. We will not be silenced by
you or the Hotel and if you expect us to give up asking
for answers and the truth on this - then think again.
Stop telling lies and stand up for your constituents
and your own personal recommendations, Mr. Turner.
Yours sincerely,
Tim Banning 77 Bevendean Avenue Saltdean
Letter posted 18/01/03
I live in Saltdean and I'm delighted that refugees will
soon be spending some time at the Ocean Hotel. When we join
together to welcome people who are in need of help and support,
it is often a great way to bring out the best in a community.
During the first world war, the town of Brighton looked
after large numbers of soldiers from India. It was good
for the visitors and good for us.
Having refugees in our neighbourhood is also a wonderful
opportunity to learn more about other cultures and languages,
and to find out at first hand what is happening in parts
of the world where poverty, tyranny and wars make life so
hard for people.
If we think that we don't have the facilities here to deal
with an influx of refugees, maybe this could be the time
for us to unite and campaign for better resources for the
whole community: for example, a library that is open every
day, a proper makeover for the Lido, a better playground
in the park for young children, and the other things that
this area lacks.
Many people in Saltdean care about people from far-away
countries. The local Christian Aid collection raised £3798
last summer.
I would like to work with anyone who wants to actively
welcome these visitors to our area, so that they remember
Saltdean as a place of tolerance, warmth and respect. Please
contact me if you feel the same.
Professor Raphael Salkie
Letter posted 18/01/03
We want the truth, NOW
To quote from a National Sunday paper on 19th Jan "It
come just weeks after the Government's National Asylum Support
Service bought the former Butlins-owned Grand Ocean Hotel
in Saltdean, East Sussex as one of 15 induction centres
which will house asylum seekers for up to 10 days when they
arrive in Britain"
Doesn't sound much like "small numbers with professional
qualifications who had been found jobs under a deal struck
by Home Secretary David Blunkett, who has granted four-year
work permits to many asylumseekers" as stated in Evening
Argus on 13 Jan by Mr Pasquale does it
Saltdean Residents deserve to know the truth before
it's too late.
A very worried Saltdean resident
Letter posted 17/01/03
Just a reply to the latest statement of the Ocean hotel.
Thanks very much for clarifying all the details of the "Asylum
Seekers" issue. Its a shame that we have all been worked
into a frenzy over the last week. Perhaps we can all get
back to the important issues of our Town ie: the community
centre, saltdean Oval, and why do dog owners let them poo
outside the school and not pick it up and take it home?
Letter posted 17/01/03
I'm thinking about moving into the area and think Saltdean
is a great place, having spent many summers there.... I'm
seriously now having second thoughts. The only reason for
this is because I do not feel the government can be relied
on to tell the truth.
If the hotel loses business, (and I know for a fact
it is not 80% full....show us your books, I don't believe
you!) they will happily take anyone to fill it, business
is business.
It's another Sandgate waiting to happen.....I fully
sympathise with these people, but the local council and
government will not supervise any of this and it will be
left to rot! get out now while you can!
John Harvey Ingle
Letter posted 17/01/03
This is in response to the unbelievable e-mail below from
the Grand Ocean Hotel.
It appears that Grand Ocean Hotels have not applied to
the government to house asylum seekers but a company called
Leena Homes have. Are we supposed to believe that Grand
Ocean just allow another company to organise, use and take
the profits from using part of their hotel...I think not.
Leeana Homes can't just do this without having an agreement
with Grand Ocean. So please don't treat us as stupid and
blame Saltdean residents for the possible decline of the
hotel. Somewhere along the line they will be making money...why
else would they do it. It will also be their own fault if
holiday makers no longer wish to use the hotel...they have
the control over whether you allow asylum seekers not Saltdean
Residents.Finally, I wish everyone would stop using racism
in this argument. I speak for myself and many other residents
opposed to this...we are not racist just because we fear
increased crime, stretched local services, lowering housing
prices etc. If a large influx of mainly single males from
any country or race was being housed we would still be concerned.So
stop blaming use. Are we supposed to feel guilty about the
decisions Grand ocean, Leena Homes and the Home Office have
made, sit back quietly, have our fears realised whilst someone
who doesn't live here increases profits?
Greg Bishop - Saltdean Resident
Letter posted 17/01/03
I must say what an articulate, sensitive and sensible
lady Marina Baker appears to be. She has expressed my feelings
and those of my direct family exactly. Persecution is a
terrible thing as is ignorance: born of fear. Glass of Bulgarian
white for me please.
Tracey Kennedy
Saltdean Resident
Letter posted 17/01/03
Quoted from the Ocean Hotel statement :
This hysteria is amounting to slander towards the hotel.
The more it perpetuates, the less the traditional holiday
makers will want to come to the area. Make no mistake, local
shops, cafes and pubs will suffer. - " Where then do
you think we will look to replace that lost business ? "
This sounds like a threat to me. Unless Saltdean residents
shut the **** up and go along with whatever this greedy
hotel owner wants, he will look to replace his regular tourists,
the same ones he drove away, by filling his hotel up with
even more asylum seekers.
So there you are. Heads he wins, tales we all lose....
Statement issued by the Grand Ocean Hotel 17/01/03
The amount of absolute nonsense that emanates from the Saltdean
Residents is unbelievable. Letters to the Grand Ocean Hotel,
letters posted on www.saltdean.info and phone calls received
at the Hotel prove that the residents have been misled.
The following are the facts - exactly as they were related
to Councillors David Smith and Linda Hyde in October 2002,
when they were invited into the hotel for a meeting with
Management.
1. The hotel is not being sold to the government for
use as an asylum seekers home.
2. The hotel has not applied for a licence to house asylum
seekers.
3. The hotel, like many others in the Gatwick area has for
many years provided various authorities with accommodation
and meeting rooms for assessment programmes for foreign
individuals legally residing in the UK. This type of business
provides us with anything between 6 and 20 rooms and two
meeting rooms for between 3 and 7 days stay and is purely
subject to availability.
The people on assessment programmes are legal healthy
professionals here for 3 to 7 nights. How can they have
" far reaching consequences on social services, health
services and education in the City" ? David Smith "Split
over immigrants stay at holiday hotel" 13/01/03 Evening
Argus. And why are we reading in the Argus, "I am disgusted,
there are 598 beds at the Grand Ocean Hotel and if they
are all taken up by asylum seekers there will be hell to
pay in the residential area. The infrastructure will be
unable to cope with the special needs and requirements of
asylum seekers" Lynda Hyde "U-turn on asylum seekers"
11/01/03 Evening Argus Presumably sensational headlines
mean increased newspaper circulation?
What are these Councillors talking about? This is after
they had a meeting with the hotel and knew the position.
Are your Councillors, who are stating this, irresponsible
individuals distorting the truth for their own political
gains?
Saltdean Residents, this is scaremongering and is damaging
to all of us that live and work in the Saltdean area. The
more hype and hysteria created, the more our businesses
will suffer and our houses devalue. This hysteria is amounting
to slander towards the hotel. The more it perpetuates, the
less the traditional holiday makers will want to come to
the area. Make no mistake, local shops, cafes and pubs will
suffer. Where then do you think we will look to replace
that lost business?It is now time for ordinary people
to understand the truth, even if it is beyond the capabilities
of a couple of Councillors.The hotel will not be
drawn into any more discussion on the subject. Leave the
Hotel alone to carry on its operation of bringing valuable
tourism into the area of Saltdean.
The Grand Ocean Hotel
January 17th 2003
Letter posted 15/01/03
I've worked here for many years now.
The Hotel has been going through a poor attendance of late
despite the comments in the press that it is 80 percent
full. The asylum situation/donation would ease this as far
as funds go, but the cost would be the loss of further run
of the mill holiday makers. Putting the racist 'card' to
one side, the sheer fact that it has hit the headlines will
decrease these numbers more. Already visitors have been
finding it embarrassing to allow their friends to know their
destination due to comments in the national press. (ie ..Daily
Mail..'Old Butlins holiday camp). I know this, I talk to
the guests.! The stance of the people of Saltdean in the
local shops has been to bring the matter to the fore, and
alert guests to this. This doesn't claim support, it makes
the guests stay away.The more there are protests, the faster
the number of asylum seekers will increase to make up for
lost business.The best scenario is to help publicise the
hotel and get the visitor numbers up. The more it is portrayed
as a nuisance to the village and the more alarmist reaction
there is , the worse the situation.I do not believe for
one moment it would be converted to art deco flats, when
it offers 'not it my backyard' solution to government requirements
that Brighton take some asylum seekers.To give you an idea
of my position, it is that the hotel should continue and
thrive, as I am an employee.
If it was full of asylum seekers, and not ordinary guests,
my job would disappear, as would many.
I appreciate the concerns of the people of Saltdean as far
as facilities etc, and I ask that they also consider my
concern as a humble worker.
Letter posted 15/01/03
To all Saltdean residents who welcome the asylum seekers
in to our community,please can you assure the rest of us,that
they our all genuine asylum seekers with hard luck stories
to tell.It is very hard to have any sympathy when most so
called asylum seekers have not been vetted in any way and
until this government changes its policies. As a resident
who is worried that his child may not be admitted to the
local school,because it is over subscribed,taking three
to four days to receive a doctors appointment and having
a wife spending a day on a trolley, in a corridor,at the
local hospital ,I wonder how far we want to stretch our
resources and dig into our pockets to pay for the extra
population?
Andy Saltdean Resident
Letter posted 14/01/03
Can it be true that unwanted, undesirable people are invading
saltdean? People who might spark a wave of crime and violence.
People, who by the very rumour of their presence, will ruin
the area's reputation as a desirable area to live. You know
who I'm talking about... don't you? The BNP.
Letter posted 14/01/03
I wish I was surprised: people hate people but love
badgers. What a strange world.
Have you ever sat down and listened to someone who has
been driven out of their home by racists or a dictatorial
regime that imprisons (or beheads) anyone who strays from
the party line? I have.
They flee at night with soldiers coming, leaving behind
their possessions (what they haven't sold to pay for their
passage out of hell).
They've left family behind. They wonder whether they'll
be safe. They have no idea what the future holds. They have
lost faith in humanity - or they're holding on to the last
vestige of hope - some people must be kind, open, generous
of spirit, human. Some one will offer asylum.
That's the kind of people who'll be staying at the Ocean
Hotel. I welcome them. I welcome brave individuals who are
intellectually capable and brave enough to stand up to the
likes of Saddam Hussein, or President Mugabe.
It shouldn't make any difference, but allow me to appeal
to your snobbery: these asylum seekers will be middle class.
They'll have at least a degree, probably a masters. They'll
be doctors, nurses, teachers, university lecturers. Blimy,
I hope we're good enough for them. I mean you do get some
right dodgy characters around here, as anyone who's ever
visited our pubs can testify to.
But Saltdean is better than many places. I'm sure the
Home Office realised we're good folk at heart and once the
disgusteds of Rottingdean have calmed down and the BNP has
moved on to more fruitful territories, we'll be able to
do what Saltdean does so well: work together as a community
to make life better for all.
If we are swamped by 500 single male eastern European
drug/gun runners, peddling their wares down Longridge I
shall happily lead the march on Downing Street. If it's
just 20 rooms being used (as the Home Office suggests) putting
up families for about a week (which means a month if a backlog
builds up - they have to have somewhere to move on to) I
shall take myself down to the Ocean and buy those courageous
people a well earned drink: any one out there care to join
me
Marina Baker - never knowingly politically correct (far
from it in fact) but very human and peace loving all the
same.
Letter posted 14/01/03
Don't believe what you read! If you have read the Argus
today, don't believe the statements made by the owners or
OUR local MP. How can we trust two people who have assured
us that there where no plans for the intake of asylum seekers
at the Ocean Hotel back in November? Rest assured that the
current or any new owner of the hotel will not just take
10 or so at a time, this will be just for a starter. The
hotel will no longer be desirable to holiday makers meaning
that the owners will be free to
fill the rooms once they apply and doubtless get planning
permission to change the use. Will they have much opposition
when this is a Labour Government idea and a majority of
labour councillors for Brighton & Hove? The crime rate
WILL increase and that is doubtless and if you ask any friends
who do not live in the area if they would move hear now,
the majority will say no. This will give you some idea as
to what will happen to house prices should this go ahead.
Just because we do not want an increase in crime and decrease
in housing prices, it does not mean we are racist as Mr
Pauscale implies. This is an insult designed to discourage
any support for a protest. We must act together as a community
to avoid the inevitable problems this will have. As mentioned
in a previous post, we must write to Mr D Turner MP at House
of Commons, London SW1A 0AA, arrange a resident meeting
and a protest. Greg Bishop - Saltdean Vale
"The SRA January 2003 newsletter Here was produced
and printed prior to the news of 10th January 2003. It was
too late to amend the newsletter as it had already gone
for distribution. The newsletter is due to be distributed
with the Leader from Thursday 23/24th January week. It is
available in the Longridge Avenue Post Office and the Saltdean
Library. The SRA is actively working with the local
Councillors on this sensitive issue. We are concerned about
the effect on local services but await further confirmation
of the proposed use of the local hotel.
Duncan Ward Secretary
Saltdean Residents' Association
Letter posted 13/01/03
The way that the application to use the Grand Ocean Hotel
as accommodation for Asylum Seekers has been dealt with
(by the hotel owners and by the Home Office) is deplorable.
Lack of information and consultation spreads fear and misunderstanding
in local residents which encourages race hatred and the
BNP. Before arguments for or against the proposal can be
usefully made we need more information.
· What is the maximum number of Asylum Seekers that
can be accommodated in the Grand Ocean Hotel? 10? 50?, 500?
How long is temporary? Overnight? A week? A month? A year?
· Will the Asylum Seekers be families? Single men?
Women and children?
According to the Argus article there are over 500 beds
in the Grand Ocean View Hotel.
If the whole of the Hotel is used for Asylum Seekers then
the local area could be dramatically affected. Already our
local school is over subscribed and health services overstretched
and would be whether those families came from Britain or
any other country.
The arrival of 500 single men concentrated in a local Hotel
would worry me whether those men came from Britain or any
other country.
If only a small number of beds are to be used for the Asylum
Seekers then I will welcome them and hope that they will
be accepted into the local community without reservation
whatever country they come from.
Race is not relevant and accusing those people who are concerned
about this as racists is a heavy-handed way of dismissing
the legitimate fears of some Saltdean residents.
Local resident Amanda Zoe
Letter posted 13/01/03
I'm writing to say how disgusted I am with Mr Blunkett
and the Labour Government and Council to go back on their
word to allow asylum seekers to stay at the Ocean Hotel,
Saltdean.
It would only be naive of our community to think that
only a handful of so called refugees will be allowed to
stay at the hotel for a short term period only. Once the
application is accepted, the Hotel will not only be able
to take in asylum seekers but will be used to house any
number of homeless people irrespective of their unsociable
behaviour.
I totally agree with Mr Bishop (letter posted 13/01/03)
that crime will increase, property values decrease and our
streets will become unsafe for women, children and the older
members of our community.
Saltdeans infrastructure is not suitable to home any asylum
seekers and would struggle to cope with schooling and medical
requirements.
The people of Saltdean and Rottingdean must unite and
protest against this application.
Saltdean is a pleasant privately owned village with a great
sense of community spirit.
Let us all try and keep it this way.Matthew Cooper
Saltdean Vale
Letter posted 13/01/03
From an angry Saltdean resident :
I am more angry now than at any other time in my life.
It is now clear we have been completely betrayed. Our views
count for nothing. I am most angry that anyone who objects
to this proposal has the knee jerk response 'racist' spat
at them. My objections have nothing to do with racism. We
have Indian, Chinese and other overseas families living
directly in our street, all of them good citizens who contribute
socially and financially to the community of Saltdean. The
main problem, apart from some horrendous security issues,
is the possible blighting of an entire area, an area of
people who own their own houses. Were you thinking about
moving or buying another house? Forget it, nobody will want
one in Saltdean any more. It could take 5 to 10 years for
property values to recover, if at all. The bonehead that
daubed misspelt slogans on the front wall of the hotel obviously
hasn't done Saltdean any favours at all. They have immediately
played into the hands of the politically correct who will
lecture us on how to be decent human beings, from their
morally superior standpoint in suitably distant Hove or
Brighton. Two things are now absolutely clear to me :
1- If that monstrosity of a hotel wasn't there in the first
place this would never have happened. No one spends their
holidays in Saltdean any more so a campaign to close the
Ocean Hotel and sell it to property developers should start,
who could then turn it into, say, art-deco apartments. The
place is an eyesore anyway, and going forward, who the hell
will want to spend their holidays at an asylum seekers hostel
?
2 - Maybe the time has come for the downland 'villages'
of Rottingdean, Saltdean
and Ovingdean to cede politically from Brighton & Hove
and run our own affairs .We have nothing in common with
Brighton & Hove any more, the people that run the local
authority have sold us out and are only interested in Saltdean
for the revenue that our council tax provides - Nothing
else.
The time has come for a messy divorce. Anonymous
Letter posted 13/01/03
I am a Kemp Town resident, and occasionally look at
your website as I enjoy visiting your village to get away
from the business of the town I was surprised to see that
your village is to be used to accommodate asylum
seekers, however few. I fear that this is the thin edge
of the wedge, with the Government pushing ever more asylum
seekers onto small communities without the local amenities
necessary to keep these people occupied safely. I fully
understand the fears of local residents who will be concerned
that the nature of their local community will be irrevocably
changed. Whilst writing, it is also worth noting that the
people seeking asylum will not wish to be in Saltdean either.
It is a completely strange environment for them, there is
little for them to usefully do, and may lead to tensions
with the locals. If reports of vandalism and racist behaviour
are to be believed, I fear the nature of this community
is already being changed against the will of local people.
It is high time that New Labour realised that Saltdean may
be part of a Brighton constituency, but it is not an
extension of the 'city'.
Leave Saltdean alone.David Gold
david.gold@ppsgroup.co.uk
Letter posted 13/01/03
All Saltdean residents should be very concerned about the
Governments decision to allow asylum seekers to use the
Ocean Hotel. It has been shown time and time again in different
areas that the crime rate rockets and the house prices fall.
Do you want your children to be at risk?
General crime to spiral?
The value of your property to tumble?
Why are we having this problem dumped on a 100% privately
owned area? We are a small family community which will be
ruined.This would not happen if the area was Labour voting
and should not happen anyway.All the residents must unite
to tackle this before it is to late. You must write to your
local MP as I have done at House of Commons, London SW1A
0AA demanding an explanation and a public enquiry.We should
also get more information this week, arrange a meeting and
plan our action against this.
Greg Bishop - Saltdean Vale
Letter posted 13/01/03
Your correspondents seem to think that there will be
only a handful of asylum seekers at the Ocean Hotel. It
is unlikely that the hotel will be able to attract holiday
makers when it houses asylum seekers, so what is going to
happen to the remainder of the accommodation? The answer
looks obvious - we will have 600 asylum seekers in Saltdean.
Very few of the so-called asylum seekers coming into
the country at the moment appear to be genuine. Why are
there so many unnattached young men? At best they are economic
migrants and at worst terrorists. Those being placed in
the Ocean Hotel have yet to be vetted.
Has anyone done an impact assessment on the facilities
in the area?
Besides the obvious effects on medical and educational
facilities, it is likely the the shops will suffer from
the loss of holiday makers.
We sincerely hope that our fears will not be realised.
From two long-term Saltdean residents.
An open letter to Saltdean from a resident posted by email
12/01/03
Having lived happily in Saltdean for the last decade I
am shocked at the reaction that our usually community minded
town (village?) has had to the asylum seekers staying at
the Ocean Hotel and now I wake up to see vandalism (badly
spelt) on the Ocean Hotel.
I attended the SRA meeting (please see here -Ed's note)
and I felt that the whole issue was being grossly blown
out of proportion and bordered on nimby racism.
I realise that we do not have the infrastructure to cope
with huge influx of people staying at the hotel requiring
local resources (ie. The school is pretty much full and
so are the local doctors and pre-schools) but I also understand
that the hotel provides only temporary stay and not permanent
and I would be interested to see how these facilities will
be provided.Like the resident below, I too received a BNP
leaflet through my door after the SRA meeting and I was
shocked and angry, also disappointed that we could be the
type of community that the BNP believes would understand
their cause.Before we start writing racist graffiti on hotel
walls maybe we should try to understand and show compassion
to those who have ended up fleeing their countries in the
first place. I would be willing to bet that the number of
asylum seekers staying at any time is less than 30 and their
stay only lasts a few weeks at most. Does this really threaten
the infrastructure of our area? I do hope that my views
and not alone in our community - compassion and understanding
not threats and anger should be our watchwords.
Lastly, I would quote the well-known statement attributed
to
he German anti-Nazi activist, Pastor Martin Niemöller.
First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out —
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the communists and I did not speak out
— because I was not a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionistsand I did not speak
out — because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me —
nd by then there was no one left to speak out for me.
Anon and disappointed Saltdean Resident
Is it just me......................
or has the whole issue of the Asylum Seekers been blown
out of all proportion. I got a BNP leaflet through my door
the other day which I hugely object to. There are only likely
to be around 10 staying at the Ocean at any time and are
we really that mean in Saltdean that we cannot accommodate
this?
Tis the season to be jolly? - Anon
Future of the Ocean Hotel & Asylum seekers
Hi,
I am a resident of Saltdean, and I have heard a rumour
today that the Government are considering buying the Ocean
Hotel, to be used as a centre for Asylum Seekers, obviously
this would have a terrible effect on the area and I am very
concerned about the issue.
I wondered if anyone from the Residents Association knew
anything about the subject or needed any assistance in disputing
the matter should the situation arise.
Perhaps you could let me know more?
I look forward to hearing from youMany thanks, Jaki Pockney
Badgers........ (for more on badgers please look at
the badger page here....)
I've lived in Saltdean for many years. I remember when
the wide open countryside was much closer. When I first
moved here, it used to be very difficult for me to ride
my bicycle, in the days when I could, such was the state
of the dirt tracks.
The badgers were always part of the landscape. As was
the skylark. This native bird's near demise due to intensive
farming methods on the Tye is a scandal. But not one that
generates such feelings as the badgers have managed this
week.
I have a theory as to why the Saxon Close badgers have
been fingered for extermination. I believe it is a conspiracy
by the Labour Government to appease the Countryside Alliance.
The message the spin doctors are sending out is that you
can't hunt foxes but don't worry we will let you savage
the badger. The licence from Defra sets a precedent. Badgers,
be very afraid.
I should like to demonstrate on Saturday. But I have
to rely on my grandson to give me a lift since I'm not so
strong on my legs these days. I don't hold up much hope.
He believes "they should all be shot" since they
play havoc with his lawn - which he takes very seriously.
I always said he should have gone for crazy paving as I
did.
From Mrs Babbage.
More Badgers......
The plight of the badgers of Saxon Close has generated
a huge emotional response from both Saltdean locals and
animal lovers nationwide.
Many people plan to demonstrate on Saturday. While it is
commendable in these days of political ennui that anybody
would give up their Saturday morning to campaign on behalf
of wild creatures, unable to defend
themselves, I plead caution.
Remember who "the enemy is". It is DEFRA, the
government department who has sanctioned the execution through
special licence. The residents of Saxon Close would no doubt
prefer the badgers to be rehoused rather than shuffled off
this mortal coil with a regulation bolt through the head.
I am sure Saltdean Residents would agree with them. So
I ask you all to be kindly in your demonstrating. Remember
that children will be present and indeed no doubt children
live in Saxon Close. Baying and booing could be frightening.
Violence would be unacceptable.
How the animal welfare activists choose to behave could
be a different matter. I just hope they remember that humans
are animals too and should not be treated kindly, without
cruelty.
I shall be attending the demonstration in an observation
capacity myself.
Yes I'd like the badgers to be saved. But if push came to
shove protecting my neigbours would take precedence over
badgers.
So demonstrate by all means. Let's get these badgers saved.
But let's do it in the spirit of peace and love rather than
anger and frustration.
Marina Baker, Saltdean Resident, fan of badgers and humans.
That smell again................
Having lived in Saltdean for over 25 years why oh why
does the smell from muck spreading get worse every year?
I normally have no problem with the smell as I like
to consider my humble abode in east Saltdean as being near
to the countryside with wonderful views but also near a
town.
Does anyone know why we could not open our windows,
go outside or put the washing on the line without feeling
very ill.
Why have so many people over the last few weeks developed
chest and breathing problems? Is this a factor?
Perhaps someone or Mr Carr himself could let us know
what goes on our fields and why it has been so bad. Is it
really necessary and what good does it do.
Many thanks
Carol
September 2002 - In June of this year, we were notified
that our collection day would change from Thursday to Tuesdays.
" They're big, they're green and they're hungry...
and they are coming to a street near you."
Well they may have been to a street NEAR us, but since
this communication has been received, the rubbish in OUR
street has not been collection regularly. In fact as we
speak, it has been 2 weeks since our last collection and
my overflowing dustbins have now become a feature of my
front garden, My husband always brings the bins to the front
of the house to assist to refuse collectors, but they don't
turn up. The grass is yellowing, as there is not enough
room to leave fully on path or pavement.
I take a pride in my garden, and spend a lot of time and
money trying to make it look good both for myself and the
appearance of the street, Saltdean is a very quite and pleasant
place to live. Now it's starting to look like any other
street in scum city.
We are not at all happy to be associated with the Brighton
& Hove City, and since we have had an 11% council tax
increase, our services have diminished. Although the Police
helicopter spends a lot more of time noisily buzzing around.
If it is too much for the City Elders to maintain services
as before, perhaps it should be a consideration to transfer
West Saltdean under Lewes District, then we will all be
happy.
Mr & Mrs Belton, Lindfield Close
reply...........................
Dear Mr & Mrs Belton
We are quite happy to be living in East Saltdean with
a wonderful play area and efficient bin collections. I agree
West Saltdean should move into Lewes District Council and
experience the benefits of a council system that is more
responsive and sympathetic to outlying areas.Laurence
O'Connor
Cissbury Crescent
Cashpoint drought!
Here's a moan from me. Why oh why are both the cashpoint
machines in Saltdean always off-line. I keep on having to
drive into Rottingdean to get one that works. How annoying!
Nikki
Ode to a gull............
A sad sight met my eyes today.
A gull, was squashed upon the road.
I wondered who had aimed their car
At speed and left it there to bleed.
I wondered also who would care
None but me, I thought. Round here
The neighbours tend to laugh and cheer
grateful that there is one less
to open bags and make a mess.
But I would rather have the gulls
And rid the world of all the waste.
For while the gulls spill soiled nappies
razor blades and old toothpaste,
Gulls in flight they make me happy.
So one question: do we shoot
the gulls to end the endless mess
Or should we deal with all the rubbish
Recycle more, throw away less?
Answers on a post card please
in memory of the gull, deceased.
By Marina Baker
......Marina dear I love your rhyme
A serious subject to spend some time
As for the gull I have to say
I wish the ones on our roof would go away
Twice lately they have dive bombed me
From high above their aerial tree
And strangely they do sit in the road
(Many a time I've nearly over one rode)
So really when I think of it
(While narrowly missing their spraying s**t)
It is not really the birds
but the rubbish that's wrong
and us in the east
with the old boundary long
Cause while we've loads of rubbish sacks here
There's magpies up west Marina dear
A serious subject to spend some time
A United Saltdean! An end to Grime!!!
By Nikki Fabry
Could poetry
find itself niche
on saltdean dot info?
give it a go
It could be fun
for the Saltdean children.
The school could hold a competition,
publish results in a special edition
to raise funds for the PTA
raise the profile of the site
and educate the masses
on what is wrong
and what is right.
A united Saltdean might not help
Since Magpie uses batteries
They say they will run out of juice
just west of Roedean.
That's no use.
The boundary is not the point
For in our minds we know we're joined
In our hearts we're one community.
Let's celebrate with local poetry
On our website, built by Nikki.
Marina Baker
Alas I have run out of words
With which we celebrate our cause
But you can be pleased in some small way
They'll all end up in 'Your Say'
Nikki Fabry
Walking Bus Scheme...
A walking bus scheme is being set up for children in
East Saltdean who attend Saltdean Primary School. The idea
is for as many children as possible to walk together. The
scheme will be free with volunteers accompanying children.
Many parents will then be able to leave for work later,
or arrive earlier. There will be less traffic on our roads
which is a good thing. Plus children will be relaxed and
exercised when they reach school. If anyone is interested
in the walking bus could they email marinabaker@btinternet.com
or contact the saltdean.info website. Children on the Brighton
side of the divide can also join in if they live between
East Saltdean and the school - we'll pick them up on the
way. Marina Baker
Marina Baker
Bad News about possible incinerator.........
If you don't wish to live downwind of a large incinerator
when an east wind blows & If you don't want to give
Southern Water a further opportunity to plan another assault
in the Telscombe Tye Cliffs at Portobello, then print off
the Waste Local Plan letter Here and send it - FREEPOST,
this week, before the deadline.
INCINERATORS ARE BAD NEWS
Has any one any spare time to deliver a few leaflets?
A.H.
Jubilee Queen?
I was so excited. A Jubilee Fayre Queen is required
for Rottingdean's celebrations. There's £100.00 prize
money up for grabs. But that is of no consequence compared
with the chance to dress up and to parade, to entertain
and maybe, just maybe, to be chosen as.....THE ONE. The
one who gets to wear a crown, to carry flowers, to be cheered,
to be happy . . . to be THE QUEEN. It could be me!!!!!!!
Eagerly, I considered my hat - a crown of flowers would
be perfect, my outfit - sensual and flowing, my face - smiling
and glowing.
Then someone pointed out the small print and "phut!"
my dream bubble deflated like a souffle in a draught.
At a few years north of 30 I am considered too old.
Surplus to requirements. Too old for what, I ask? I'm half
the age of the REAL QUEEN and yet someone or someone's on
a committee somewhere in Rottingdean has determined that
I am TOO OLD to play a QUEEN.
Is there not a law against such blatant ageism? Should
I not organise a demonstration? Could we all turn up in
our best summer frocks, aided by our zimmer frames and wait
for someone in a blue blazer to dare tell us we can't compete?
We could ask him: "Precisely what qualities does a
young woman possess that we older women do not?"
Youth alone could not strike a match against the mellow
fruitfulness that comes with the ripeness of age. Our queen,
Queen Elizabeth II, could testify to this . She could confirm
that youth is a hindrance to the role of queen. Majesty,
she would say, is born with age and experience.
So come on you boring OLD Rottingdean farts - pray do
not dump on your own. Let us older ladies take part in this
contest and then, and only then, may the best queen win.
-From Beatrice, it's-your-duty-to-be-beautiful, Babbage.
Saltdean
Reply...Well here she is and not a patch on you B. They
can't have had many replies either. This was in the paper
a week before the closing date! Uncle Arthur
St Martins Aluminum Collection
Congratulations to the children and parents of St Martins
preschool. Who knows when kerbside recycling will come to
Saltdean? But this tiny preschool on Longridge Avenue has
taken matters into its own hands and is busy collecting
aluminum cans and foil to raise cash and dispose of our
waste. If everyone took a few minutes each day to separate
their aluminum and give it to the preschool the landfill
sites will last longer. It will also introduce people to
the ways of recycling which are far more complicated to
think about than actually do. Be a sport, give St Martins
your aluminum.
- Marina Baker
Recycling
I am becoming increasing alarmed at the number of black
bags people are placing outside their homes for the bin
men. If you reduce your waste by refusing to buy products
that come bound in excessive packaging, reuse what can be
reused then recycle or compost the rest, you will be able
to reduce your household waste to half a bin bag per week
per family.
If we don't all do our bit NOW we will soon run out
of landfill and have to put up with an incinerator in Newhaven
which will increase pollutants in the air and put more traffic
on our roads.
- Willow Moonflower
Doggy Doo
Can people stop allowing their pooches to poo outside Saltdean's
school and preschools. If your dog must do, don't leave
it for our kids to walk through their classrooms. It's one
hell of a job cleaning up when 30 kids are covered in it.
But it would only take you 30 seconds to clean up after
one mutt.
It's always worse when it's cold or raining because you
dog lovers are apparently too lazy go up to the Tye - and
you should scoop your poop up there, as well.
- Willow Moonflower
Ocean Hotel Swimming Pool
Can local residents to saltdean please have the use
of the grand ocean hotel swimming pool back? I would happily
pay £2.00 per session to save on the inconvenience
of going in to the city.
Also they used to put on nice children's party with
swimming, play and food. What a waste of facilities.
- Powerpuff girl
Family Entertainment
I would like to see regular entertainment for young families
in saltdean for parents and children - a weekly dance and
barbecue or bring your own buffet. It would really bring
families together and give us all something to do now our
clubbing days are over.
Something from 6-9 at St Nicholas church hall on a Saturday
with a cost of £5 per family.
It would soon build up a good following. And we cold give
any excess funds to local charities- any one else miss a
decent social life? its fine if you are a bit older in saltdean
I have been to the bingo and ballroom dancing down at the
community centre on a Saturday night and it is a right laugh.
But not suitable for children.
- Powerpuff girl
Queens Jubilee
The queen has reigned over us, her subjects, for 50
years now. As a jubilee present perhaps she could bestow
on all of us the right to be called citizens. I don't consider
myself to be a subject of hers and I don't know anybody
who feels differently. So it's about time she caught up.
As for celebrating: if I need milk, I'll visit Longridge
Avenue. If I need my dog's toe nails clipped I'll do the
same. But I will not be there to celebrate the Queen's 50
years of handshakes and pheasant neck wringing.
I already give money to Leo's hospice and the Royal
National Lifeboat institute. Using these charities as an
excuse for the Longridge Avenue jubilee celebrations is
a thinly veiled attempt by shopkeepers to feather
their own financial nests.
I'd rather party in the park with no mention of the
queen and call it celebration of our community. We'll meet
new people, meet up with old friends and it will give the
residents around the park something to chub
about, if nothing else.
Yours, Citizen Pain
New Age?
I love Saltdean, but it can be a bit sleepy. The most exciting
time for me was when the 'new age travellers' arrived on
the field over yonder during summer 2000.
It did cause an uproar, many residents complained about
the noise and filth from the all night rave events.
Instead of poo pooing the idea - I went over to meet them.
I took our 3 year old daughter over there, we enjoyed music
and a lot of friendly chat and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
I do wish all the residents of Saltdean could appreciate
the benefits of staying up all night in a tent or rusty
van and pooing in fields — instead of getting up at
the crack of dawn everyday and going to work like I do.
Peter Quinn (Local Person)
reply..............
I'm in agreement with Peter Quinn. When the travellers
arrived on the Tye I too went up to see them, taking along
my two young children. I told them where the local doctor
was in case it was needed, offered them water (they were
getting it from the garage) and chatted to them about throwing
a party.
We went up on the arranged night, and found the illegal
beer tent which was great and while we drank we got our
kids to hand out books to the traveller children.
Two issues slightly niggled. First, the bouncy castle
wasn't blown up properly which meant when a seven-year-old
lad with a mullet hair style jumped on, my three-year-old
son bounced off.
Secondly, the music was SO LOUD we had to leave sooner
than we'd hoped cos our kids got headaches. And I wish they
hadn't continued to party quite so loudly for three days
and three nights.
This is why we should welcome such excitement and counter
culture with open arms - take them cookies, offer them a
bath, do their laundry. If we make more of an effort they
might feel more involved and be a bit more community minded
and keep the noise down. Maybe next time a local charity
group could hire the bouncy castle, charge and make some
cash. One for SORT, I feel. They're in to green open spaces.
My only real objection is that the week they left, my
dustbin disappeared. But maybe a local thought it a great
week to nick it, knowing I'd probably assume the travellers
did it. We do like to have outsiders to blame for things,
don't we? So come back soon, travellers, and we can blame
you for ...er... well something's bound to come up. Plus,
they do lessen the amount of dog poo up on the Tye because
many locals are "too scared" to go up there when
travellers are about. (Travellers bury their own poo, bless
'em).
Gypsy Rose, retired and living in a semi near you.
Rottingdean United?
OK so we'd love a United Saltdean. Well - what I would
like to beef about is that if it finally happens will we
actually get our own councillors on Brighton Council instead
of being part of Rottingdean? If anyone would like to illuminate
us on the population of Rottingdean against the population
of Saltdean I would be very interested - otherwise as I'm
from the Eastern side I would rather keep my own councillors
thank-you.
Saltdean and Proud
TV Interference
Several houses in Cissbury Crescent, East Saltdean are
experiencing interference with the signal for BBC1 television.
There are wavy lines appearing on the screens. This problem
stated on or about the 23rd February. The BBC maintain that
there is no problem with the Newhaven transmitter and suggest
that the Radio Communications Agency be contacted for them
to try to see where the problem originates. Has anybody
else noticed this problem ?
Loz and Carol
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