Public are not asses

Cllr Maynard’s belief that people will accept his assurances that he wishes “the public to be engaged” could lay him open to being considered naive, given that he also says they cannot open their meetings to the public because the issues are “sensitive”, which could be seen as an indication of his attitude to those who elect him.

It was interesting to note that when questioned on the Politics Show about the provision being made for the predicted rise in aged residents in Rother, Cllr Maynard started talking about regeneration!

And now we hear from Cllr Brian Kentfield, chairman of this new steering committee, who seems to flatter himself that a few words from him will “reassure” us, the electorate of Rother.

I am sure that as far as many of us are concerned actions speak louder than words and we all probably have clear memories of the council “consultation” over the seafront shelters.

So in answer to the question, “Haven’t we been here before?” many may say: “Yes, yes and thrice yes!”.

If the council truly wished to be transparent it would give a series of well-publicised presentations on this and seek responses at stages through the research phase to help them develop the vision to deliver real improvements.

If the public saw some tangible results from this, confidence in the consultation process might be restored and a more inclusive approach to “bricks and mortar” should be achieved.

The public are not asses, and failure to recognise this may mean that constituents prefer to watch paint dry than listen to the words of some councillors.

Which leaves us with the question: “Who is the naive one now, Councillor Kentfield?”

CAROLE WOODLAND

Cooden Drive

Bexhill-on-Sea

PS Perhaps your more poetic readers could compose a new Christmas song for the council?