Better Late Than Never
The Worthing Green Party has since it's formation been campaigning to get the A27 through Worthing tamed. At last it seems our efforts have been rewarded, albeit in part.
On Thursday, 4 July 1991 the Worthing Herald published a letter we sent in on the 29 June 1991 (see below) putting forward the case for the existing speed limit to be reduced. Over the past few weeks - some 14 years later - works have progressed so that the speed limit has now been reduced, from 70mph to 50mph on the east bound carriageway some 150mtrs east of Castle Goring to a point 100mtrs west of Cote Street (The former Happy Eater). Furthermore a speed camera has been installed some 200mtrs east of Cote street to enforce the existing 40mph limit there.
Of course were are delighted by this, but why oh why has it taken 14 years to implement these common sense measures. Had the highways authority acted sooner, at least one life could have been saved and many crashes prevented.
~~~~~~~~~~
29 June 1991.
Dear Sir.
While I do appreciate your publishing the Green Party's
concern over the A27, I fear some confusion may have crept in.
The recent "accident" which claimed two lives, occurred on the
A27 some 100yds west of the Coach and Horses and 60yds east of
Castle Goring in a 70 MPH zone.
The Green Party would like to see this dual carriage-way
restricted to 50 MPH due to the problem of surface water, mud and
stones on the road after bad weather, together with the eastbound
carriage-ways present excessive entry speed on to the single
carriage-ways 40MPH at the Happy Eater.
From the Happy Eater to the Worthing eastern boundary the present
40MPH should be reduced to 30MPH in order to make the many
junctions, bends and adverse cambers safer.
As regard the Patching Pond staggered junction, we are opposed to
the published scheme. Our aim is to reduce the already excessive
traffic through Angmering and Clapham villages with a more
balanced scheme which also has respect for an area of outstanding
natural beauty.
It has to be remembered just how dangerous this A27 is. In 18
years 10 people have been killed, that, just on the one mile
stretch from the Coach and Horses to Swandean Hospital.
Surely we owe it to those who have died so tragically and those
left behind to rebuild there lives, to tame this dammed road.
With Regards
Yours sincerely.
Worthing Green Party.
The Following is a further selection of our published letters.
27. 5.1991
Sir.
I am most concerned to read the very offensive way that the
two public servants xxxxxx and xxxxxx decided to respond -
Herald 17 May - to the letter from Mrs xxxxxx on the subject
of the Mind Day Center.
With an ever increasing mental illness population in the
community, great care and thought must be given to the welfare of
these unfortunate people - continuity of staff being very
important.
It is therefore outrageous when those who have provided that
skillful care and support - on a low wage and often in their own
free time - are made redundant.
Not only have dedicated staff left with an irreplaceable profile
of each user of the day center, but those who used the day center
will have lost a trusted supporting friend.
Yours
May 23, 1991.
Sir.
Along with the Warnes Hotel, Dome, and probably Swandean
Hospital property speculation, the A27 kamikaze drivers and the
Department of transports office of housing blight your headline
- anger over A27 ruin - is just the tip of the iceberg.
Lets face it, Worthing is slowly but surely being destroyed with
the final nail hammered home if the proposed A27 motorwayisation
goes ahead.
The projected volume of traffic which might use such a road will
make life for those living within half a mile very unhealthy.
The latest computer model of traffic movements, indicate that the
Findon Valley A24 will become dual carriage-way as the main feed
to the A27, and because it is in a valley air quality will be
reduced.
Enter the man from the office of housing blight.
Yours
27 December 1991
Sir
Super Markets for commercial reasons try to promote
themselves as caring for our environment.
However do they ever consider the damage that is being caused to
the health of those unfortunate to live close enough to breath in
the deadly cocktail of carbon monoxide, benzene and ozone emitted
from cold start engines in their car parks and petrol stations.
Is it just coincidence that over the Sundays when Sunday opening
has occurred those toxic gasses have been over E.C and World
Heath safety limits - the same days which our Children are out
playing.
The question every one should be asking themselves is - aching
joints, sore eyes and throats, lethargy - flu symptoms or the
result of toxic exhaust gasses?.
I believe that stores who open on Sundays not only willfully
disregard English law but are the modern day Scrooge, squeezing
out the last bit of money, regardless of the damage to the
environment, or the quality of life.
Yes even the environment needs a day of rest.
Yours
June 13 1991.
Sir.
Worthing MP Mr Terence Higgins like most of the residents
must be furious with the department of transport and their
cavalier attitude over the willful neglect of property it has
purchased along the A27 together with the environmental damage
its causing.
There is no excuse for the housing blight and the traumatic
stress and harassment caused to the remaining residents by the
Department of Transport.
However, far from reducing worry and fear, it now seems likely
from surveys carried out by the Dotes consultants over the past
months, that due to increased volumes of traffic expected to use
the A27 through the Findon Valley to join an upgraded A27, a dual
carriage-way through the valley would be needed to cope.
There's little doubt that the resulting housing blight along the
Valley will ensure Mr Higgins has a busy summer recess.
Yours
The Editor
West Sussex Gazette.
15 May 1993.
SIR.
Without doubt many of your readers must have been upset by the
photograph on page two of your April 29th edition showing the
remains of the lamb believed killed by a Fox.
It is of course distressing for a compassionate society to come
upon such a scene but animal nature has many rules - which humans
will never understand - the balance of which we interfere with
only at our peril.
Fox hunting which perhaps was to be the beneficiary from the
publication of the photograph has done nothing to reduce the Fox
population if that WAS the intention.
The fact is recent studies indicate the Fox becoming stronger
fitter and living longer due perhaps to the "Hunt" only removing
the weak and sick from the pack - Generic cleansing ?
On the other hand the Motor Vehicle together with its
uncontrollable greed for vast areas of countryside is causing
severe problems for all animals moving between their territories.
The amount of dead or dieing animals on the roads is a national
disgrace and the scene of total carnage as depicted in the
enclosed photograph - for balance - not uncommon.
Perhaps the "Hunt" might like to focus its attention on the real
enemy of the environment.
Yours
The Editor West Sussex
West Sussex Gazette. BN13 3LN.
29 July 1993.
SIR.
At a time when many ordinary people are doing their bit for
the environment by recycling paper, bottles, tin cans and plastic
those elected to positions of power are doing their damnedest to
destroy our children's inheritance.
I refer to the report in W.S.G July 22nd which indicates that
Arun and Adur District Councils, together with Findon, Sompting
and Lancing parish Councils have welcomed West Sussex County
Councils decision to support the Department of Transports plan to
destroy Lancing Ring and the South Downs north of Lancing and
Sompting.
This stunningly beautiful area which is facing hideous damage by
the proposed route for the M27, has remained largely undamaged
by man since it was formed millions of years ago. Yet the
decision by those irresponsible Councils to aid and abet such
wanton destruction took just a few minutes.
Such abuse of power is just another example of how desperately
this country needs to re-appraise its values.
With pent up anger, groups from Folkestone to Honiton are
demanding a total environmental and archaeological impact
assessment on the damage this Motorway from the Channel tunnel
will cause. Sadly however, peaceful lobbying is falling on
closed minds, even at public inquiries acknowledged legal
argument is swept aside by the Department of transports
intimidating and highly paid barristers.
The patience of the public is wearing thin. The system must put
the environment first otherwise I fear the battle over the M27
will make the M3 protests at Twyford Down look like a tea party
at the vicarage.
Yours
The Editor
Worthing
Herald
Chatsworth
Road
WORTHING
BN11
1NA
January 4, 1998
.
Dear
Sir
If
you think there's traffic chaos now (Herald January 26) well Government experts
estimate traffic will grow by between 80 and 150% by 2020 if nothing is done.
Fortunately there is something we can do.
On
January the 30th a private members Bill will get its second reading in
Parliament. This Bill: The Road Traffic Reduction (UK Targets) Bill, aims to set
national targets to reduce traffic by more efficient use of our transport
infrastructure.
Clearly
this is a sensible way forward and is supported by over 400 MP's and
organisations such as The National Asthma Campaign. The National Federation of
Townswoman's Guilds. Fair Play for Children. The National Federation of Woman's
Institutes.
However
as there is considerable opposition to the Bill from company's who build roads
and vehicles, it is most important to encourage every MP to be in Parliament on
Friday January 30th to vote for the Bill.
Our
local MP's of course are very concerned by the areas traffic problems, but maybe
a newspaper campaign and a letter from each of us reminding them to vote for the
Bill in the House is timely.
Yours sincerely
PS.
Dear Editor if your paper would like to do a feature on the Bill, full briefings
are available from Ron Bailey campaign
manager 0171.490.1555 x1414.
6 April,
1998.
Dear
Editor.
No one
can fail to be moved by the sight of the giant posters (near the Boundstone
School) containing the photo of the youngster sadly killed on the A27 at
Lancing.
As we all
know, the issue of what can be done about the dangerous speed and traffic
volumes on the A27 has been argued over for more than 30 years to no avail, yet
local MP's want Environmental groups to meet them. What's the use of more talk?.
No, the
time has come for action. If this were France that road would be blocked until
traffic could be controlled to safe speeds, and volumes dramatically reduced.
However
as this is Britain, it's just possible our MP's might find the time to attend
the Commons on Friday 20 April, for the 3rd and final debate of the Road Traffic
Reduction Bill. At least if this Bill is made law, the principle of reducing
traffic will have been made.
Yours sincerely
April 28, 1998
SIR
Who on Earth allowed the massive Radio towers to be built
in Polling Furzefield south of the A27 at the Hammerpot. Is it son of Jodral Bank being made ready for us to
communicate with a far distant galaxy, in case our Planet calls time on us?.
This blot on a cherished landscape, makes a mockery of the
so called protection for the South Downs area of outstanding natural beauty,
which we understood to be safe in the hands of the South Downs Conservation
Board. This is the Conservation board I might add, which recently secured the
continued support of the Countryside Commission, as opposed to the National Park
Status
which West Sussex county council were so vehemently against.
The question has to be asked: What is behind this love affair with the Board?
Is it because the Conservation Board has no powers to block developments which the various councils who operate along length of the Downs may wish to promote. At a recent public meeting I attended in Worthing, the county planning officer, and Worthing councillor Robert Clare came out with completely misleading costs for running a National Park style authority to protect the Downs, they then conveniently forgot to mention the EU funding such a body would attract.
Of course I can understand their grief at loosing the power to build on the Downs ("only under the compelling circumstances" of course, to quote the language of the Worthing draft local plan) if the Downs had National Park status. However its important to remember that the Downs stretch from Beachy Head to Twyford Down. The Downs cry out for one management plan and one authority to administer the whole area, not the present multitude of Councils fighting amongst themselves. The South Downs are a wonderful national asset. They are far to important for their conservation to be in the hands of politicians and Council officers who sometimes only see the development potential of land.
Yours Sincerely
John Tyler
Worthing Green Party.
April 3, 1999
Dear Sir.
The pictures of British
sheep being cruelly butchered in the back streets of Paris were deeply
distressing. We now have to face the facts.
Despite all the promises
from on high which followed the ending of live animal exports from Shoreham,
thousands of these hapless creatures are still being transported from Dover,
hundreds to a lorry and over vast distances to every corner of Europe, then only
to be killed in the most appalling conditions.
This vile trade continues
despite the massive demonstrations which were supported by a full cross section
of the public at ports all over the country,
It's now plain to see that this present government, as previous
governments, are allowing factory farming barons and the transport firms to hide
behind suspect EU regulations which somehow allow this nasty trade to continue
unchallenged.
And all this when numerous
public opinion polls, even in Europe, are confirming that the public want
animals to have rights, it's a disgrace that this so called New Labour
government has broken it's pre-election promise and not put an end once and for
all to live exports.
Clearly this government,
just like those in the past, are
not only Grey, but deaf to public opinion as well.
Yours faithfully
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
February 21, 1999
There has been much talk of building several incinerators in West Sussex, and on the face of it incineration of the mountains of wastes our society creates has attractions, only closer examination revels the dangers.
Referred to by some as landfill in the atmosphere, incineration burns domestic, industrial and hospital wastes at very high temperature. All incinerators produce polluting emissions such as acid-forming gasses, metals, particulates, and products of incomplete combustion.
What doesn't go up the chimney remains as bottom ash. This ash is about a third of the weight of the original wastes and is highly toxic. It has to be transported, usually by road, to landfill. Ironically, the incineration process itself converts toxic metals into more soluble forms, which actually increases the possibility of ground water contamination.
Possibly the most feared and well-known toxin emitted is Dioxin. Fortunately due to technological improvements to existing incineration sites, emissions are expected to reduce in the UK, unless that is, we see a rush to build more incinerators
The Green Party believes, that a more sensible approach than all the risks posed by incineration would be first to reduce the quantity of wastes generated at source. Second re-use wastes wherever possible. Third recycle wastes, including composting and anaerobic digestion. Finally disposal of the residual using the best practicable environmental option.
Yours sincerely
20 March 1999
Dear Editor
As the debate over Genetically Modified Food approaches meltdown, it's worth remembering how in the 50's Nuclear Power was promoted as the wonder fuel, something for nothing, to cheap to meter.
Dramatically that changed on the 24th of March 1986 when the world reached for the maps to see where Chernobyl was, and check if the radiation cloud was coming their way. If the Russians can't find a way to stop their old Nuclear powered warships from rotting away we will soon have a clearer idea where Murmansk is.
Clearly we haven't learnt a thing. The present debate over Genetically Modified Food has the same ring to it. On one-hand scientists eager to see their projects up and running, and a government with a hidden agenda trying to convince us of perceived benefits. While on the other there's under funded researchers trying to find out how GM foods will affect wildlife and us.
History has taught us nothing is free. We have the capability to destroy the planet many time over if a mistake is made, so there has never been a clearer case for caution as now.
Next time it might not be land poisoned by Nuclear fallout, but a baron genetically modified planet.
Yours sincerely
03 April 1999
SIR
I
find it hard to believe that anyone, let alone Councillors who are supposed to
have the best interest of the town at heart, should propose a scheme, which if
allowed to go ahead, will dramatically add to the traffic chaos in the town and
add to the urban sprawl.
Assuming
the reported figures are correct, then over 2000 extra car journeys could be
created by plans for a new access road, industrial estate, refuse transfer
station and housing on part of the strategic gap between Worthing and Sompting.
Apart
from the degrading of an important environmental resource, to think of putting
any extra traffic onto the A27 at Lyons Farm is highly suspect.
No you Grey Councillors go and sit in a dark room and make way after the
May elections for the Green Party with plans for a sustainable future for
Worthing.
Yours truly,
Date: 05 April 1999
17:32
Dear Sir.
So much for all the
pre-election promises to stop Live Animal Exports, the horrific pictures of
British sheep facing med-evil slaughter in a Paris back street finally put
Labour to shame.
This vile export trade
continues with hapless creatures transported, hundreds stuffed to a lorry, vast
distances to every corner of Europe, then butchered in horrendous conditions.
Opinion polls confirm
people want animals to have rights. Clearly this government like those gone, are
not only Grey, but deaf to public opinion as well.
Yours faithfully
10:10 PM
Monday
8 April, 1999
For
Immediate Release
GREENS ON THE MARCH
There
will be a march and assembly in Trafalgar Square London against Genetically Modified organisms in our food on Saturday 10th April.
The
march from Hyde Park starts at 1.30 p.m. (assemble
at Marble Arch entrance 12.30 - 1.30 p.m.)
speeches start at 4 p.m. in Trafalgar Square.
Lucie
Colkett for the West Sussex Green Party said:
"Green Party members and supporters from all over Sussex will be
marching. It's our chance to stand up and be counted at this very public show of
strength against the Genetic pollution of our food".
Continuing
Lucie Colkett insisted: "The risks
and consequences of Genetically Engineered crops and products are not being
properly examined and that the concerns of those interested in international
trade are being given higher priority than basic safety".
~ENDS~
ATTENTION
PICTURE EDITORS
As the march will attract thousands from all over the UK and Europe there
will be excellent opportunities for filming colourful banners and placards
together with shots of many notable celebrities.
Further information from Lucie Colkett 01903 xxxxxxx
April 18, 1999
Dear Sir.
Sompting Downs have suffered the waste transfer station long enough, but to relocate it to the precious strategic gap between Worthing and Sompting, with access road (EWAR), industrial and housing estates would be a disaster.
Councillor Sargent the schemes prime mover says in his Durrington ward newsletter. "I am determined to protect all that is good in our town and to stem the loss of our historic inheritance. Worthing's Liberal Democrat council will create further Conservation Areas in future".
The strategic gap is a Conservation area, an important green lung and environmentally sensitive area. To build there will set a president for building on the other strategic gap at Goring. However Councillor Sargent says, "To me it is a wonderful trade-off, and a bargain". I think that's outrageous.
Jobs creation is important but what about the extra
traffic that will be generated. Could
Broadwater or A27 at Lyons Farm cope with 2000+ extra vehicles at rush hour?.
What are the Lib-Dems up to?.
West Sussex Green Party have the answer. When a plan of the EWAR was produced on September 13th 1996 at the West Sussex County Council Highways and Transport
Committee meeting (File ref: AWC/UWD994) it showed the road sharing the A27 junction with a Sompting Link to the Downland bypass.
The Lib-Dem plan is to build not only in the strategic gap, but when traffic levels force a Downland bypass to be built, Downland ripe for development would be opened up between the Sompting link and B+Q / Daewoo.
Did someone say the Downs was the wrong place for a waste transfer station !.
Yours sincerely
Dear Sir.
The hunting of Foxes, Deer's etc is a barbaric medieval ritual, out of keeping
with a civilised country entering a new millennium.
To defend their action, hunters' claim Foxes kill new-born lambs, that may be
so, but the natural world is not always kind and cuddly. Farmers can protect
their stock by good husbandry and if there is a local Fox problem, skilled
marksmen can be used.
One of the countries largest wildlife hospitals, has in the past 20 years,
treated a large number of Foxes injured by the hunt, but not one suffering
gunshot wounds, showing that the hunt is not only cruel, but inefficient as
well.
23 April 1999
Dear Sir.
If press coverage is anything to go by, there is still great concern over how environmental problems degrade the quality of life.
Issues such as traffic pollution, climate change and animal welfare rate alongside housing and the economy, but one has to ask the question. Will voters mark their ballot paper to show their concern or stick their heads in the sand and not vote?
Of course we can all blame it on apathy but is there more to it than that? Do people think nothing changes whichever way they vote? Could our voting system be to blame?
Whilst the European elections in June will be held under a system of proportional voting. The first past the post system will still be used for the locals in May, but will that be the last time?
The Jenkins Report proposes a system called "the Alternative Vote Plus" (AV+). Under this system no mater what issue you care about, Councils and Parliament truly represent the variety of opinion in the country, thus making them more responsive and responsible.
Yours sincerely
Barrie Weller
West Sussex Green Party
To: argus letters <letters@argus-btn.co.uk>
Subject: Kosovo
Date: 25 April 1999 17:11
Dear Sir.
While countries all over Europe are offering accommodation to Kosovan refugees, the message Europe heard from councils all along England's golden south coast was 'there's no room at the inn'.
I hope those councils and especially the Tory M.P for Eastbourne, whose outburst was widely commented upon in Europe, are thoroughly ashamed of themselves.
If countries with weak economies like Latvia are helping, we don't have any excuses.
Yours sincerely
To: worthing herald <wheditor@globalnet.co.uk>
Subject: Magic Roundabout
Date: 02 May 1999 23:41
Dear Sir.
"Financial Wizardry" that's how Chris Sargent describes Lib-Dem purse control in his latest plea for Durrington votes, in Focus on Durrington. Sure they sold all 2,475 of the borough's council houses for £30 million (ca £13,000ea) then tucked away all that tax payers money for a rainy day.
Unfortunately for the beleaguered council tax payer, the magician used the wrong stick. Not only do the council have to build 220 new homes at £25,000ea but if the East Worthing Access Road is to be built in the strategic gap, the piggy bank has to be raided again.
If that wasn't bad enough, all that £30 million has been invested at the time when returns could fall dramatically. Great bit of Wizardry that! everything's just gone pear shaped.
To: crawley news <editor@crawleynews.co.uk>
Subject: Apathy
Date: 14 May 1999 15:14
Dear Sir.
31% or under turnout at the local elections, what a disgrace!. Call it apathy or laziness I suspect the truth is, people know that with the Grey Parties nothing changes, whichever way they vote.
What a damming rejection of our main political parties (or voting system) when, if press coverage is anything to go by, people clearly have real concerns on a wide range of issues.
Corruption, traffic pollution, climate change, genetically modified food and animal welfare rate alongside housing and the economy, these are but some of those issues, but one has to ask the question. What will get voters to mark their ballot papers?.
On June the 10th we vote again, this time in the European elections. These will be held under a system of proportional voting as against the first past the post system used for the locals in May.
Love it or loath it we are part of Europe, and today it's even more important than ever to have trust worthy MEP's in Brussels following the massive fraud which was exposed by Paul van Buitenen the AGALEV (Flemish Green Party) member.
Under the proportional system no mater what issue you care about, the elected MEP's truly represent the variety of opinion in their country. This makes them more responsive and responsible.
For the first time, this fairer system will give a small dedicated under financed Party an excellent chance of joining their colleagues in Europe, to fight for
Britain's best interest on serious matters which don't respect boarders..
Yours sincerely
Barrie Weller
West Sussex Green Party
To: argus letters <letters@argus-btn.co.uk>
Subject: Falmer Referendum
Date: 25 March 1999 20:18
Sir.
The West Sussex Green Party, whilst very much in favour of the referendum principle, is concerned that Cllr Bassam and his group, are likely to debase this Democratic process and weaken the
Albion's case, if the referendum on the Falmer option is held only in Brighton and Hove.
Of course Brighton and Hove Albion supporters are desperate to see their team come home, clearly a permanent site must be found for a new stadium. But building on Downland is of serious concern to all Sussex.
Cllr Bassam knows full well that a full impact assessment has to be carried out before any construction starts, so why is he winding up supporters with hopes of wining a very local referendum before all the issues have been debated. This tactic is politically suspect and will be counter productive at a Public Inquiry.
Yours.
John Tyler.
Subject: Privatisation
Date: 21 May 1999 16:14
Dear Sir
The last two decades have seen the privatisation of just about everything that moves (or doesn't) and the ensuing exploitation of workers leading to their mental and physical health problems, the lowered standard of service to customers and the increased cost to the general taxpayer as, remember, private businesses are there to make a profit for shareholders.
With these details in mind, it is with utter disbelief to learn that Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Tandridge and Wealden Councils are even considering running the collection of council tax and the distribution of benefits using a private company. The company chosen, Capita Group plc., will apparently control a 51% share of the new company (Newco Ltd. - great name!) with the four councils holding the remaining 49%.
According to benefit inspectors, Capita exaggerated statistics, claiming a 99% success rate in a turnover operation of claims and assessments at Broxbourne Council, Hertfordshire, however an audit revealed this figure was only 46%. Quite a difference and you'd think not a great recommendation. In Lambeth, Capita reduced staffing to the lowest levels possible, with the subsequent collapse of the service, with late payment of benefit and Court action incorrectly taken against non-payments of Council Tax.
No service should ever be run as a business. We have seen what has happened to our Bus and Rail services when run as businesses. The only beneficiaries of privatisation are the shareholders and the multinationals, which eventually acquire the business.
Councillor Julian Salmon (Green Party)
Date: 27 May 1999 18:05
Dear Sir.
Who can we believe through the fog of the spin-doctors? On one hand there's the full weight of government, supporting the massively rich bio-tech company's headlong rush into field trials of Genetically Modified Crops, and on the other, those scientists urging caution, concerned enough to speak out despite the fear of loosing their research grants, and even their jobs.
But what is very clear, the stakes are seriously high, for if they get this one wrong, the error could take many generations to correct, if ever! It's said history repeats it's self and many of us will remember all the promises made about nuclear energy. "It's a wonder fuel". "Electricity so cheap to make, it's not worth metering". Now forty years later the decommissioning of nuclear power stations around the world will mortgage our great, great, great, grand-children's lives with the nuclear debt.
And that's why the Green Party is saying in our country and Europe: NO to GMO. GMO's are too hot to handle and that Genie must be left well corked in the bottle.
But already GM ingredience have found there way into our food from America, therefore urgent action is demanded. Our colleague European Greens have forced Brussels to reduce the amount of GM crops being planted, but a total ban is imperative.
On June 10 we must have British Greens elected to join them. Then, with every member country having Green MEP's in Brussels, Europe will have a large dedicated force to demand our food is made safe.
Yours sincerely
Barrie Weller
West Sussex Green Party
Press Release
For Immediate Release 11 October 1999 18:31
MEP's Speaking Tour
Dr Caroline Lucas, South East England's Green Party Member of the European Parliament, will be speaking in Worthing.
At the first meeting, Caroline will be speaking at Worthing Oxfam in support of their Education Now! Campaign. That meeting will be held at: Holy Trinity Hall, Gratwicke Road, Worthing. (corner with Shelley Road) Thursday 21st October, 8.00pm. This IS a public meeting.
The theme for the second meeting will be What the EU can do, the role of an MEP. It will be held at the Worthing Sixth Form Collage, Bolsover Road Worthing. (North side of Durrington railway bridge) Friday 22nd October, 10am. This is NOT a public meeting.
Lucie Colkett chair of the Worthing Green Party said: "Worthing is most fortunate to be one of the first places in the UK to be visited by a member of the new European Parliament".
"At the EU elections earlier this year, the electors showed breath-taking apathy. We now have an ideal opportunity to meet face to face, with one of our elected representatives in a Parliament which will influence our lives more and more whether we like it or not".
Continuing Lucie Colkett insisted: "Caroline is very approachable and is carrying out the pledge she made during her election campaign to represent all her constituents. She will be very pleased to meet anyone and discuss their fears and aspirations of our membership of the European Community at the Thursday evening meeting".
~ends~
Editors and Producers Notes
Although Caroline is on a tight schedule, a radio interview is possible by phone, before 9 or after 11.30 on Friday morning. A Press interview at the Thursday meeting is preferred.
1. Dr Caroline Lucas is a member of the European Green Group, which has become the fourth strongest in the new Parliament
2. Caroline is married with 2 children and has been active in Green Politics for over 10 years.
3. Before being elected to the European Parliament, Caroline was senior policy
Advisor to Oxfam.
4. Oxfordshire's first Green County Councillor.
5. Author (under the name of LeQuesne) of Reforming World Trade: The Social and Environmental Priorities, Oxfam 1996, and co-author of The Trade Trap, Oxfam 1996.
6. In the European Elections the Greens achieved their best results ever on a European level. The new Green Group will comprise 38 deputies from 11 countries making them the fourth strongest group in the European parliament after the socialists.
7. Caroline has pledged to work with her colleagues in the European Parliament to change world trade rules to protect the environment, social issues and animal welfare standards throughout the world.
Note to Picture Editors
There will be opportunities for colourful and attractive picture shots at the Sixth Form Collage on Thursday the 22nd from 10am.
For further information please contact:
24 October 1999
Worthing Green Party
6th November 1999.
Dear Sir.
Last week's announcement by the Environment Agency on local radio, stating that due to rising sea levels Selsey could become an island in 20 years, graphically illustrates one effect of global warming.
Clearly devastating for all who will loose homes or land in Selsey, or other low lying parts of Sussex, those events will be over-shadowed by what could lay ahead if we continue to ignore the warning signs of recent extreme weather events around the world.
Another effect of global warming was portrayed in a recent Channel 4 documentary. Here the Atlantic Conveyer, a term used for the movement of warm sea water from the tropics to the North Atlantic, was cut off due to the release of vast amounts of fresh water as Arctic ice melted.
The programme demonstrated how this would result in a rapid cooling down of the North Atlantic bringing Arctic temperatures and even an ice age to Europe within a generation. If as seems likely this process has already started, and we continue pumping tons of the gases responsible for that climate change into the atmosphere from planes, power stations, cars and our homes, then the process won't stop. In that case this planet will become a very uncomfortable place to live.
Yours sincerely
30 January 2000
Dear Sir.
The parliamentary question local Conservative MP Tim Loughton asked the Government was. When does the Government plan to announce improvements to the A27 Trunk road through Worthing and Lancing?
Surely though the question should have been "Why has the Government done a U turn on it's pre election promises to set targets which will reduce traffic to pre 1990 levels as set out in the Road Traffic Reduction Act.
Mr Loughton has lived in the area long enough to know that a Downland bypass is totally unacceptable as was the now abandoned superhighway through Worthing. Clearly the existing road is under serious strain but much of this has been self-imposed by local planning decisions allowing housing estates for commuters without improving public transport.
If anyone thought that traffic on the A27 couldn't get any worse, just think what will happen if the proposed housing and industrial development in the Worthing Lancing strategic gap gets the planners blessing on the completion of the East Worthing Access Road.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
Worthing Green Party
To: (P) The Editor Worthing Herald <wheditor@globalnet.co.uk>
Subject: Hot School Meals.
Date: 13 February 2000 23:01
Dear Sir.
What a fine mess West Sussex County Council created when they decided to steal the children's hot school diners in such a misguided way of saving money. Just look at what's been achieved.
The children have suffered. Many now go without a substantial meal all day just at the age when proper meals are so important for good health now and later in life.
The school dinner staff have suffered, having lost their jobs and now forced into fighting slippery employer's in-order to get their meagre redundancy money.
The taxpayer has suffered, having had to foot West Sussex County Councils bill for High court action against the catering firm they hired to replace county diner staff.
But guess who hasn't suffered; yes of course, those Councillors who caused all this grief. Have they resigned en masse? No. Have they apologised? No of course not. As usual these villains have a carefully prepared statement placing the blame on someone else, while they continue to enjoy first class refreshments at their meetings.
Without doubt when the final cost of all this is totted up, we will see it would have been cheaper to leave the excellent school diner service as it was.
Yours sincerely
07 August 2000
Dear Sir.
Coverage of the A27 and it's problems is all very predicable, however the reported comments by the MP for Arundel Mr Howard Flight, that Arundel needs a bypass, caught my eye.
Mr Flight excited by the recent government announcement of a 10 year spending spree on the country's roads, raised the bypass issue in the House of Commons during a recent debate. But wait a moment, doesn't Arundel already have a bypass?
The Arundel bypass was built 15 years ago with the intention of removing traffic from the town center. However it did more than that, it removed an obstruction restricting long distance commuting by road. The problems now faced by Arundel and other settlements along the A27 is the serial bypass syndrome.
If Arundel get it's bypass of the bypass, traffic on the A27 will grow still further, so much so that before long Fontwell, Chichester and Sompting will also need second bypasses.
A new bypass for Arundel will also open up the water-meadows, offering the spectre of industrial units or a superstore being built in sight of the castle. Finally it will further increase traffic growth on the A27 and speed up climate change.
No Mr Flight, instead of a second bypass you and your chums in parliament should be insisting the government enforce Road Traffic Reduction, which is now an Act of parliament.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West.Sussex.Green.Party
October 14, 2000
Dear Sir.
If, as indicated in the poles, non-violent direct action is seen by middle England as a legitimate form of protest, then Mr Jolly, the inspector appointed to conduct the Public Local Inquiry into the Worthing Local Plan has a particularly daunting task.
When the Inquiry starts on October 24th in the Town Hall, this inspector faces hundreds of local residents and organisations objecting to a whole host of proposals put forward by the planners. Somehow Mr Jolly has to install confidence in the inquiry procedure in order to avert a public out-cry.
In particular he has to be aware of the considerable concern there is over the proposed massive new development in Durrington. Surely he will be made aware of the extensive flooding there was in Durrington 20 years ago following previous development. And then of course there is the threat rising sea levels pose for the town.
Worthing residents are old hands at public inquiry's, having suffered at the hands of the Highway's Agency and the 9 month A27 pantomime. Mr Jolly won't need reminding that the good folk of Worthing will be lees than amused if he sweeps aside those, and other strongly held planning concerns as in the manor of that A27 inquiry.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party.
November 12, 2000
Dear Sir.
Traffic gridlock may soon be a thing of the past! Well that's one conclusion to be drawn from last weeks 'Money programme' on BBC2. In a report into the oil industry, the BBC found that many of the worlds oil wells are showing signs of running dry, some only producing one barrel a day.
Clearly our greedy over consumption of the planets resources, will dramatically effect the life styles of future generations whether in the form of climate change or plastic bottles. Today's fuel protestors will be laughed at when the eventual rationing is introduced. Traffic gridlock and the £5 gallon will then be looked back at with fond memories.
Of course for many the loss of their freedom to drive when and where they like - even through the 2-minute remembrance silence - will be unbearable. However even they might find the prospect of a few unstable countries, still rich in oil, a sobering thought.
This weeks climate change talks in the Hague must do more then prevent the Kyoto Protocol from being watered down by the Americans. The meeting must put limits on the Worlds annual consumption of oil and gas.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
November 24, 2000
Dear Sir.
Respondents to Horsham District Council's consultation on where future housing might be placed (Worthing Herald 23.11.00) surely have reason to be concerned if the Councils previous planning decisions are anything to go by.
The first example of their folly for all to see is on the left, just north of the A24 Washington roundabout. Here the planners have allowed an estate of factory style buildings to be built on rising ground and totally dominate the landscape. This hideous blot has destroyed the setting of Chanctonbury Ring and is alien to the countryside.
Further up the A27 at Dial Post and again on the left has appeared what only can be described as the Dial Post Wall. This structure of earth some 20 feet high is reputed to shield a reclusive gentleman from the roar of traffic on the A24. That maybe so, however the countryside must be protected from these alien structures. Whether it be houses or mud walls planners must stand firm and refuse applications which cause so much visual and cultural damage.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
December 14, 2000
Dear Sir.
Clearly the loutish behavior of a group of children must be controlled but what of the destructive actions of those some three times their age in the name of so called progress?
One might argue that we live in a selfish walk on by society, but the fact remains greed and materialism rules and in a perverse way admired by society.
Durrington not so many years ago was an area of nurseries and farmland. Children of the then housing estate off Ivydore Avenue were able to roam and let off steam without causing too much grief. But look at the area today.
Wall to wall housing, bumper to bumper cars. Communities severed by speeding traffic along New road etc. Is it any wonder Durrington has problems. Before us over fifties condemn the young we must reflect on the sort of area we have built and continue to expand.
Is it really wise to build an extra 800 houses in Durrington before the problems of the existing estates are sorted out. Is it wise to encourage families to move here if they are only going to have to commute to Brighton or Crawley for work?
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
December 17, 2000
Dear Sir.
Graham Forshaw Leader of the County Council writes passionately against a National Park for the South Downs, but his fears are unfounded.
With over thirty million visits a year to the Downs; National Park status will secure long term funding to manage this pressure. Under the present system the local taxpayer contributes 50%. With national Park status this would reduce to 25%. A welcome reduction for the many pensioners in the area.
At present the Downs lack funds to influence land management, landscape, wildlife or historic interest. An immediate benefit of increased government funding will be improved employment prospects for those living in the countryside. It will support businesses that contribute services to the Park, such as land management and conservation.
The Downs are vast, stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne. They are controlled by an unwieldy collection of three county councils, a unitary authority and eleven district councils. Planning is guided by 3 structure and 11 local plans - a bureaucratic nightmare?
A National Park will have one planning authority with the resources of powers, and the political status necessary to see off damaging schemes like Mr Forshaw's West Sussex County Councils long held determination to drive a superhighway through the heart of the Downs at Worthing.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
December 26, 2000
Dear Sir.
While the floods of the past months are but a distant memory for some, there are those still in despair having seen a lifetime of treasures washed away. One can only hope they can be comforted in the fact that there is something deliciously poetic about the image of floodwaters closing roads, factories and shops for weeks.
For it is the greed of industrial capitalism, and the roads built across our countryside to service it, that has caused the climate change that led to the freak rainfall that filled the aquifers on the Downs that flowed out into the rivers which burst their banks and reclaimed the land on behalf of nature.
Nobody knows whether the floods are going to strike again tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. But everybody from the Government's Environment Agency to the popular press is agreed that they will be coming back, time and time again.
Climate change was not the alarmist invention of a bunch of cranks, after all. It is real and it is coming to a town near you. Nobody is safe. If a swollen river doesn't get you, or a storm-driven high tide, then an underground river might spring up under your house, or a typhoon sweep in and blow your roof off.
In the light of all this, the concerns of the fuel protesters are looking utterly irrelevant. Yes, it is outrageous that the Government gets away with raking in billions of pounds of indirect taxes on products like fuel, extracting no more from the millionaire than from the millionaire's gardener. Yes, the state is hiding behind the excuse of helping the environment when it is really only interested in the money. But all except the very dim can now see that there are more urgent things to worry about than prices at the petrol pumps.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the whole industrial capitalist system is cracking up. It's not just climate change. Don't forget about the steady stream of people dying from CJD/BSE because of our polluted food chain. And the threat of genetically modified food. And air pollution. And the ozone layer. And river pollution. And acid rain. And nuclear dumping. And more accidents like Chernobyl waiting to happen. And the destruction of the rainforests. And the Sussex countryside disappearing under concrete. And intensive farming killing the soil that feeds us (as well as helping cause floods...) The list goes on.
What we have all got to get to grips with is the fact that industrial society cannot continue indefinitely its mad rush towards more and more growth, profits and so-called progress. The warning signs are there and it is up to us to respond. Are we going to sit back and wait for the symptoms to get worse and worse? Or are we going to tackle the disease head-on and start now to dismantle capitalism and industrialism while we have the chance?
If the latter is what you want, don't expect any help from the Government. As they have proved time and time again, this and every Government are nothing but puppets of Big Business, the people who got us into this mess. The Government's task is to hide the truth (as with the BSE crisis), manipulate public opinion (as with its pro-GM food propaganda), persecute dissidents (as with the new 'Terrorism' Act) and generally prevaricate and protect the status quo.
It's up to us to save ourselves and close down the foul machineries of greed that are destroying our world.
Yours truly
May 6, 2001
Dear Sir.
Clearly there's something wrong in the system when Doctors feel it necessary to wake up the government by closing their surgeries for a day.
For years the National Health Service has been on the verge of collapse, but somehow dedicated staff have managed to keep it going. Following this day of action we have to ask, is the end nigh?
As advances in medicine increase life expectancy, the population is becoming more aged, increasing Doctors workload. They should be applauded for ensuring alarm bells are loudly ringing in the Governments ear.
Of course it's good news they plan to increase the number of GPs but is the problem deeper than just numbers. Is the population is becoming less healthy? We need to understand just why there are so many not so elderly people needing the Doctor.
Some think our unhealthy life style is the villain? We work the longest hours in Europe. Our diet is made up of junk food full of growth hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. Personal space is being eroded by relentless house building, with stress and aggression regarded as par for the course.
Exercise has been replaced by pressing the accelerator pedal to the floor when roaring away from the traffic lights. Maybe if we had a car free day once a month and walked a bit more the Doctors load would be a bit lighter.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
July 16, 2001
Dear Sir.
True to form the grey party's are completely ignoring issues which are
increasingly having an impact on our health and which will put at risk
sustainability for future generations.
The food we eat, the air we breathe and climate stability are treated by
these party's as if they're asides, and not the life support system life as
we know it depends upon.
In the past 10 years our country has faced. Mad Cow Disease, Record
Temperatures, 100 Year Floods twice, Foot and Mouth Disease etc. Globally,
massive lakes have formed in the Artic, Glaciers are disappearing, the
population is increasing at a frightening speed. Yet all we hear are
promises of tax cuts to turn on the greedy and selfish amongst the
electorate.
The people we elect will have to make unpleasant decisions if we are to
ensure this planet can continue to support future generations, so why won't
they tell us what their policy's are. The truth is they don't have a policy,
preferring to take refuge behind popularist policy's like petrol prices or
asylum seekers.
With voter apathy the likely winner of election 2001 grey politicians need
to ask themselves if they're in touch with the needs of the real world.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
July 1, 2001
Dear Sir.
They're at it again those Town Hall vandals, trashing the towns heritage. I
ask you, will there be anything with history left in Worthing.
When I moved to Worthing in 1949, there was Railway Approach and it's
character properties sweeping around in an arc to join Chapel Road. Those
properties long gone replaced by Teville Gate, now a derelict pile and home
to unsavoury characters.
There was the Rivoli and Odeon cinema's, the Warnes hotel and the Mansions
in Liverpool gardens. There was Ann street's charm and Mr Halls model train
shop, sacrificed for the 70's folly the Guildbourne center. And perhaps the
saddest for locals who were taught there, Sussex road school built in the
1880's only to be trashed by the unfriendly Environment Agency.
Surely Cllr Andrew Garrett wasn't being serious that we should imitate the
USA by his comment that America does tend to "build for a 50 year life
span"... then demolish.
However, on second thoughts perhaps it is about time the Town Hall was
demolished, preferably with all those grey councillors inside. The land
could then be reclaimed and a field of oaks planted.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
May 28, 2001
Dear Sir.
Why has a decision on the Hastings bypass been delayed until after the
elections? Is John Prescott going to have to eat his words?
Clearly the Hastings - Bexhill road scheme is not just a local issue, for if
built, it's effect will be felt across large parts of Sussex. The extra
capacity created by these roads will increase traffic on the A259 and feeder
roads such as the A21 and A22.
Villages like Icklesham, Nutley and Hurst Green will face even more
disruption from juggernaughts and speeding vans. Voters are more
interested in Mr Prescott's promises than his punches.
The problem for Mr Prescott is that he has yet to fulfill a promises made
before the 97 election! What ever happened to those traffic reduction
targets designed to bring relief to beleaguered villages.
"I agree to keep to that commitment [i.e. to reduce traffic levels overall,
not merely reduce traffic growth]. Judge my performance in five years.
" John Prescott MP, Hansard 20.10.98, col 1071.
As Labour's Deputy Leader Mr Prescott fought the last election promising
traffic reduction. As Deputy Prime Minister, he has repeated that promise
several times. He even 'urged' people to 'hold him to it'.
But all the signs are there. The decision to announce the start date for
road building after the election is quite simple. Labour realised it would
become an damaging election issue if announced earlier.
If a Deputy Prime Minister can break long held promises cast in stone, the
electorate obviously will draw the only conclusion. What hope is there for
extra money for the NHS, Schools or the Police.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
Confederation of Sussex Green Parties
9 June, 2002
Dear Sir.
Reading the reports on the recent protest regarding the shameful proposal to fell trees in the ancient woodland alongside Titnore lane Durrington, one couldn't help agreeing with the sentiment behind the comments of one elderly protestor, as the massive protest closed the lane to traffic viz: 'Because of speeding traffic it's the first time in 30 years I've been able to walk along here, I'm so happy'.
Surely its time to ask ourselves, just where are we going? Do we really want our towns, villages and countryside overwhelmed by speeding traffic? Is the so-called freedom to drive everywhere, when we want to, going to be allowed to destroy the quality of life, motoring is advertised to enhance?
Take Titnore lane, the focus of the recent mass protest. It was once a tranquil winding English country lane, then all of a sudden it became an A classification road and a rat between the A27 and A259. So why was it done? Is it true that the proposed widening scheme is the first part of a western bypass of Worthing by stealth, destined to link up with the A24 via the Longfurlong? If so it's misguided.
What is needed to return sanity to this important part of English cultural history is:
1. For Titnore lane and the ancient woodland to be included in the new South Downs National Park.
2. Downgrade the lane from A classification to C.
3. Introduce traffic calming with an enforced 30 mph speed limit.
4. A ban on all lorries.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
June 26, 2002
Dear Sir.
The disclosure made at the full meeting of the new Worthing Borough Council Thursday, 20th June that Durrington will be one of the last Parish's (perhaps not until 2003) to have a Community Forum established is scandalous.
The Council know full well that there is serious public unrest over the proposed West Durrington Development. Whether it's the felling of hundreds of trees along Titnore Lane, or the worry that the already overloaded infrastructure will collapse from the demands extra house will bring. Residents are united in their opposition to the new development.
Clearly the Lib Dem controlled Council are running scared of serious debate on the matter. But if they think, that by leaving Durrington out of the first round of Forums to be set up, they will deny opponents of the scheme a platform from which to argue their case, they are wrong. With such a highly charged atmosphere, there's every possibility of more protests like the one that closed Titnore Lane recently, unless the people are listened to.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
November 24, 2002
Dear Sir.
Once again an un-elected body has rubber stamped a decision that will effect thousands of peoples lives and have serious consequences for the environment. That body is of course the Regional Assembly.
Their decision to recommend to Government that the proposals contained in the South Coast Multi Modal Transport Study - which could cost taxpayers over £2 Billion - is deeply suspect.
How many of the people comprising this Regional Assembly are transport experts. Indeed how would an Assembly member living in Buckinghamshire have an in depth knowledge of the problems along the A27, let alone have read or understood the technical report.
If it weren't so serious it would make a good farce. Recommendations contained in this transport study - if approved by Government - will map out the way we travel for the next 50 years, yet so far the public have not had the opportunity to comment on it.
Clearly Democracy has been by-passed again. Is it any wonder people think it's a waste of time voting?
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
December 18, 2003
Dear Sir.
In response to Graham Forshaw's excellent article on driver behaviour, I'm convinced British drivers are being allowed to become the most aggressive in Europe, following several incidences I have witnessed recently at difficult sections on the A27.
On the West bound carriageway at Crossbush, some 500 metres before the traffic lights, the two lanes are designated as being: left hand one to Littlehampton and the A259, right hand for the A27 etc. Both lanes at this point also have a 50 then 40mph speed limit.
Not content with joining the traffic on the right hand lane waiting patiently for the lights to turn green, many drivers who intend to journey further along the A27, are now speeding down the mostly lightly used left hand A259 lane, then forcing their way back into the A27 lane just after the lights. Not only is the speed they travel at reckless, but also that driver's behaviour is likely to provoke a reaction from other drivers.
A similar situation occurs at the western Fontwell roundabout. Here road markings indicate west bound drivers should move over to the right hand lane. Again many drivers faced with a queue, happily race down the left hand lane hoping to cut in on the roundabout. Twice in the last few days I've seen Lorries, who need both lanes of the roundabout to safely manoeuvre, cut up by these queue jumpers, nearly causing serious crashes.
Clearly this behaviour cannot be allowed. All road users have the right to expect the laws of the road to be enforced, whether it's speed limit enforcement or driver behaviour. I for one will be pleased to see an increase in police road patrols and reports of those errant drivers spending a day in court. Perhaps then the expected increase on top of the 39.9% this year in the Police Authorities precept, part of the council tax, won't be such a bitter pill to swallow.
Yours sincerely
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
April 2, 2005
Dear Editor,
Like your self I too was surprised that the County Times (April 1) only received a single letter on the sacking of Mr Flight: I can only think that the lack of comment was due to a state of shock.
As a Green Party worker, clearly Mr Flights brand of politics isn’t my cup of tea, however neither is the way in which he was dismissed.
In a democracy everyone – yes even a Conservative M.P – has the right to a fair hearing, anything less is draconian.
It seems to me that if Mr Howard should ever lead a Conservative Government – heavens forbid – it’s first act would be to give employers the right to sack without appeal. On second thoughts it’s more than likely that the Human Rights Act would be for the chop first.
Yours sincerely
SIR,
Just when I thought Comment was starting to be sensible a totally unrealistic road scheme was mooted. How on earth can this country pay for 2 major wars, a new fleet of Trident submarines and then find £20Billion for the 6-lane south coast super highway suggested (Comment April 4). Should we abandon all hope of saving the hospitals?
Of course the carnage on the Castle Goring section of the A27 can’t be allowed to carry on and excuses from the highway’s authorities are just not acceptable and neither is the 6-lane idea.
Some years ago the West Sussex Green Party put forward a plan to reduce the westbound two-lane carriageway to a single lane from Cote Street to just west of the Patching flyover, coupled with a 50 mph speed limit and a slip road access and exit from the Coach and Horses and properties along Castle Goring Mews for consideration
However with the plan for Titnore Lane to be an access point to the contentious West Durrington Over-Development facing a stiff legal challenge from the Worthing Society, there is now the opportunity for the Highways Agency to reconsider the previously rejected access from the A27 and now include the revised lane layout described above.
Of course I’m not recommending a previously over
engineered scheme, with blot on the landscape flyover associated with the
discredited bypass through Worthing scheme, but a more simple underpass from the
eastbound A27, it would also be safer for vehicles from Holt farm. Simply,
traffic to and from the Durrington development – if built – would use the
layout described above. Those from the development wishing to get to the
eastbound A27 would travel the short distance west to the Patching flyover and
join it there.
I hope this idea at least starts a debate that will lead to
the prevention of more deaths on this road. If need-be I am able to work up
drawings for the road layout.
Yours truly,
John Tyler
West Sussex Green Party
www.greenpartywestsussex.co.uk
SIR,
Following the misrepresentation of our plan to reduce
fatalities on the A27 (Comment, April 18) we request the
right of reply.
Had the writer of the ‘Comment’ column (April 18) taken
the trouble to consider the plan in our letter, it would have been noted that
the West Sussex Green Party made no reference to the traffic problems of the UK
as a whole, but just one road namely the A27 and in fact just a one mile section
of that road. Linking that to the starvation of millions along the South Coast
as asserted by ‘Comment’ is plainly absurd.
Of course the West Sussex Green Party are not the only ones
to suggest a plan of action to cut the loss of life on that one-mile section. An
alert editor would have been aware that in the Advertiser’s sister title the
Worthing Herald (April 5 edition) none other than Worthing’s Tory MP had
proposed a similar action – should he now be accused of taking us back to the
Stone Age with millions facing starvation?
In conclusion, over the decades the Green Party has become
case hardened to the uneducated diatribe directed at it, only to see now that
our hardest critics admit our Planet is in trouble. However what does make us
angry, is for ‘Comment’ to propose a 6 lane road that would take decades to
plan and build and do nothing to stop the deaths in the meantime when our plan
could be up and running in 6 months, 3 if the desire to do something important
was there.
Yours
John Tyler.
West Sussex Green Party
www.greenpartywestsussex.co.uk
April 23, 2006
Dear Sir.
So that’s the end of the problem is it, now that the
party leaders in Westminster are to adopt green polices to save the planet.
Wrong! Never before has the slogan ‘Act locally think globally’ ever been
more important.
Trouble is, how can the grey environmentally damaging
polices of local politicians be reversed when its buried so deep in their DNA?
What hope is there when Worthing Borough Council decide that over 200 trees in
ancient Titnore wood should be felled just to avoid imposing a 40 mph speed
limit on the lane that runs through the wood.
Then of course we have the Dinosaur’s in West Sussex
County Council whose disastrous policy has been for decades to provide more road
space at vast public expense only for more traffic to fill up.
It was a good try Mr Cameron, but sorry it wouldn’t
matter what colour you change to, the policies of your colleagues here in West
Sussex won’t change. No the only hope is that the effect of climate change
will see the extinction of these cobweb thinking creatures before the last gasp
of the planet.
April
2, 2007
Dear
Sir,
As
the last crumbling remains of Number One Arundel Road hit the ground, yet
another historic building in Littlehampton is laid waste in the name of
progress. This particular building was at least 150 years old and seemed in very
good health for its age, but due to a technical hitch was not listed and
therefore unprotected.
For
those coming into Littlehampton from Bognor on the A259 it was a familiar
landmark and a stately example of the architecture of the period, and home to a
firm of solicitors. Being just across the road from a church the balance of law
and order and spirituality might have been seen as being an auspicious entrance
into the town.
I
suppose the only good news to come from all this, is that the site will be
redeveloped for much needed social housing. The 22 one and two bed-roomed flats
that will replace Number One Arundel Road are to be part rent part buy, and as
they are on a bus route and near to the station the new occupants are not
expected to own cars, therefore car parking spaces will not be provided.
Also,
across the road in the old market, there will be a similar development with 60
such occupancies, and then on the site of the former Pan Handle Pete's opposite
the Station, another 18. None of the 100 dwellings will have car parking spaces
and they are all on the same street! The developer I spoke to was in a temporary
office outside of town because there was no office space available in
Littlehampton town centre due to the fact that it has just been demolished for
social housing with no parking!
In the
various policies that I read at a meeting of Neighbours Against Development,
Arun District Council and West Sussex County Council both stated that they were
committed to preserving the character and the nature and essence of the town of
Littlehampton. So who gave the planning permission for the destruction of these
characterful historic founder
members and the very fabric of the town? Something has been taken away that can
never be replaced. Who will bear the shame of this act? Surely this sorry
episode must not be repeated?
Yours sincerely
John Tyler.
West Sussex Green Party
7 April 2007.
SIR,
For heavens sake this can't be allowed to carry on! I am of course referring
to yet another tragedy on the A27. Excuses from the highway's authorities
are just not acceptable and urgent serious thought must be given to ending
this carnage.
A previous plan to reduce the westbound two-lane carriageway to a single
lane from Cote Street to just west of the Patching flyover, coupled with a
50 mph speed limit and a slip road access and exit from the Coach and Horses
and properties along Castle Goring Mews might be reconsidered.
However with the plan for Titnore Lane to be an access point to the
contentious West Durrington Over-Development facing a legal challenge, there
is now the opportunity to reconsider the previously rejected access from the
A27 and now include the revised lane layout described above.
Of course I'm not recommending the previous over engineered scheme, with
blot on the landscape flyover associated with the discredited bypass through
Worthing scheme, but a more simple underpass from the eastbound A27, it
would also be safer for vehicles from Holt farm. Simply, traffic to and from
the Durrington development - if built - would use the layout described
above. Those from the development wishing to get to the eastbound A27 would
travel the short distance west to the Patching flyover and join it there.
I hope this idea at least starts a debate that will lead to the prevention
of more deaths on this road. If need-be I am able to work up drawings for
the road layout.
Yours truly,
John Tyler.
19 January
2008
SIR
Naturally we all would do everything possible to protect
our family, but what of our great grand children’s children and beyond, does
that protective shield still apply to them? Clearly our government and
opposition MP’s have little concern for us, or those in the distant future by
supporting the building of more nuclear reactors.
They have exposed us and those future generations to potentially catastrophic consequences. It’s not just the risk of a reactor meltdown or a terrorist attack, it’s all the radioactive waste – deadly for 10’s of thousands of years – that neither they nor anyone else knows how to make safe.
Clearly as the elected politicians refuse to take seriously
these threats, then each and every one of us has to use the only weapon we have,
a boycott of those energy companies involved in nuclear such as EDF. Fortunately
there is an alternative safe energy provider. Ecotricity www.ecotricity.co.uk/
provides safe electricity
generated from hydro, wind and solar and what’s
more they promise it won’t cost any more. So lets all change now and send a
powerful message against nuclear power.
Yours,
John Tyler
Committee member
West Sussex Green Party
