Too damage a local community

It has been a while since my last blog but many things have happened. The holiday in the Canaries was great. however we did not the worst gale in 50 years which was the tale end of the Madeira gale. It was like a very bad gale at Bolberry Down, but we are fully equipped for such weather ! We opened the hotel later this year due to our holiday. I am told we did not miss much business as the area was quiet, probably due to the weather. We opened on 22nd Feb with a full hotel ! it has almost remained this way since, which is very encouraging for the season ahead. This season Dave is back at full spreed, Paul is multitasking as usual. Sonny has returned after 8 years and we have an English female second chef who Dave is very pleased with.
As usual, when we re open we place signs in Malborough and near Hope cove just for 7 days to let everyone know we are open. The Parish Councils are now very forward thinking and understanding having realised the need for these slight breaches in Planning rules.. The sign near Hope Cove proved very entertaining. the local farmer decided that he was going to remove it every time I put it up! The none drying paint was fun but did not deter them. In the end he "through his toys out of the cot" and told another hotelier that if he did not sort it out , he would remove his illegal sign off this gate. Some would say this is "blackmail" I would say childish stupidity ! However, things came around to our advantage as the someone sent a copy of the letter, I had sent to the farmer, around the village ! This got everyone talking and we have a lot of very busy lunches as customers wanted to find out more ! What the saying? an ill wind !

Anyway, here is the letter I sent for those who have not seen it !
　
3rd March, 2010
　
Dear Alison & Barry,
The sign issue at the top of Burleigh Lane has now become the centre of gossip and speculation with the two parishes. As you are aware, I always put this sign up for just one week when we re open. Alison has been seen interfering with our signs. This section of land is owned by highways and you had no right to
remove the sign. Under the “Theft Act 1968” you have committed an offence. Whilst I understand that you have never achieved anything in life, I can only assume that this action was carried out in a desperate
attempt to gain some power to achieve something. I fully understand that the sign contravenes the “Town & Country Planning Act 1990” of which I am very well read in this area of law ! May I draw your attention to the fact that you have been contravening this act for many months in allowing signs to be displayed on your property illegally, so it cannot be that you are passionate about the appearance of the Countryside.
Your actions have resulted in several e mails and telephone calls asking what is going on and fellow traders keen to advise that it is not them being childish and removing or defacing the signs. The owners of the Sun Bay are very good friends and your thoughtless actions could have damaged friendships within the village. The owners of the garage sale sign which was also removed will also be saddened by your un neighbourly action.
The villagers are now discussing with concern as to what retaliation I may take, as those who know me are aware that I protect my business interest which great force. However, with the knowledge of yourselves
being covered in non drying paint and the public humiliation you will suffer due to your childish
irresponsible actions, I feel that retaliation has already been achieved ! Further more, your actions have started many locals discussing the issue and therefore the word has spread that we are open. A better advert than the signs or press coverage ! I will be also very interested at any other breaches in legislation which you are in contravention of in the course of your business. Please be assured that as a good citizen, I will report any issues to the relevant authorities.
A copy of this letter will be e mailed to all those who have shown concern and interest, and also it will be placed on our Port Light blog site for the wider public to understand that it is not always young people who have difficulty living in the community without being underhanded and vindictive
　
Yours sincerely
Sean



This will be included in "The Book" when it gets published.
Dave is about to re design the middle of the Car park flower bed having been delayed due to his "hiccup" in health last year. It will improve parking and look great. My 21st Mothers Day at Port Light is nearly here and bookings are as good as ever. It will be all hands on deck as usual.
The new design in our bar/restaurant layout has proven a huge sucess. Anglian will be here after Easter to install the new windows to complete the Job.