Dear Editor

We read the well-written and thought-provoking letter from fellow Lea resident Chris Burns that appeared in your May 1st issue (Candidate’s comments) with great interest.

We wholeheartedly agree with Mr Burns that there is much in Lea that is worthy of praise. As keen members of the village choir and founders and former members of the Lea Action Group we concur with his comment that it is an active community. We would also add that it is one we are anxious to protect – hence our involvement with the Neighbourhood Development Plan, which has now come into force.

However this should not blind us to some of the difficulties Lea faces, particularly with regard to its infrastructure. We are thinking here about its severely pot-holed roads which in places have completely lost their markings, its weed-choked gutters and a surface water drainage system that has often suffered from serious neglect. The fact that other villages may be in the same parlous state is no excuse for ignoring the challenges that are apparent on one’s own doorstep.

Happily Lea Parish Council is starting to address some of these problems, with a rejuvenated lengthsman scheme that is beginning to bear fruit. Those red marks on and around drains and ditches that have left some villagers a little bemused are there to indicate that the lengthsman has taken action to ensure that they are being kept clear so that water may flow freely.

This new mood of activism is a key reason why we both stood as parish councillors in the recent local government elections. We both wanted to be part of a body that is prepared to be proactive and come up with solutions rather than sit on the side lines.

One of us was successful. The other, alas, was not. Nevertheless, we continue to adhere to the view that there is nothing inherently wrong with a husband and wife standing for election to the same public body with a view to helping the community they both live in; and we are delighted to see that Mr Burns appears to be of the same opinion.

Stephen and Anne Banner

Lea