Box of Delights

11:31am Tuesday 20th May 2008

"THE box I received from you gave me dignity at a very difficult time. Your generosity really cheered me up and the guys and girls out here always appreciate some goodies and the knowledge that the people at home are thinking about them. Thank you for your generous support, it really has brightened up everyone's day here!"

Parking Politics

11:26am Tuesday 20th May 2008

With regards the Members Individual Small Scheme grant of 2000 pounds; The suggestion that I wish to spend £1000 to subsidise parking at Elm Grove, Great Clacton is somewhat premature. I am keen to learn if it would be acceptable following a similar question from Cllr Goggin in Brightlingsea. The question has been raised but understandably officers must confirm the legalities of using the funds in this way.

The Right Stuff?

11:24am Tuesday 20th May 2008

BRIAN Dyke's letter (Gazette May 15) in praise of Douglas Carswell states "he is made of the right stuff to serve in a future Conservative cabinet". If this should happen we can look forward to another period of division and anger that was the hallmark of the previous Conservative government.

Make it a Marina

12:26pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

I WAS born in Clacton in 1945 and brought my family up in the Tendring area. I have just returned to live at Jaywick (and yes, I can afford to live elsewhere) because it is the friendliest place I have ever lived.

Support Our MP

12:22pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

THE criticism in last weeks Gazette of Douglas Carswell's recent question at Prime Ministers Question Time by his predecessor Ivan Henderson is misplaced for three main reasons: 1. The recent YouGov survey of key marginal constituencies for a national newspaper showed that 81 per cent of voters based their recent local election decision on national issues and the rest on local ones. I believe it is essential that an elected MP demonstrates to his constituents that he has his finger on the pulse and is able to contribute to and influence the national debate that affects all our lives. We have all seen members - often the "timeservers" - ask a token question at "question time" regarding an issue in their own constituency that never receives proper consideration in that forum but is done for effect.

Question time for MP...

12:18pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

DOUGLAS Carswell MP must feel that the issue of political funding is of the utmost importance as he chose it for the subject of his first ever question at Prime Minister's Question Time. It would not have been my choice but, as my Member of Parliament, I accept that his considered opinion is that political funding was the topic that his constituents wanted him to raise.

No Ifs or Butlins

12:16pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

IN response to Mr Dennis' letter "Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish Say Traders" in last weeks Gazette; he is of course entitled to his view on the benefits or otherwise that Butlins brought to Clacton.