Kentish Express Ashford & District
It’s easy to criticise without full facts
The recent U.S. Presidential Election has brought into sharp focus how courtesy, good manners and reasoned debate have plummeted. There is a saying that ‘Rudeness is a weak man’s imitation of strength’. With the advent of social media, it seems that everyone is a potential target for abuse. Whatever happened to kindness and understanding?
I read the ‘Points of View’ page every week. Many letters are critical of Ashford Borough Council. This got me thinking. At the end of the day, the council is made up of ordinary residents amongst us who put themselves forward in order to work on our behalf and represent us.
We all tend to criticise referees whilst watching football matches but unless – as I have – you have done it yourself, it is a thankless task and not as straightforward as it looks. You make decisions which one side will welcome whilst the other side are unhappy.
A good deal of our criticism is based on false assumptions. This was highlighted by Jean Ifield’s recent letter in connection with the Sevington Retail Park situation. Most of us, as Jean did, would have assumed that this was ABC’s responsibility. I can understand the frustration of Cllr Jim Wedgbury, when the council are being wrongly criticised for matters in which they have no direct control.
The majority of our concerns are based unfortunately on not knowing the full facts. Being well informed is the key. I wish that councils were not made up on party lines but instead were represented by truly independent men and women who could think freely instead of being directed to vote this way or that.
At the end of the day, we must be grateful that we live in a democracy where we are able to challenge and ask questions and again be grateful to people who put themselves forward and put in a lot work, when the rest of us are either unable or not prepared to do this.
I just hope that as individuals, councillors take note of what the majority wish for.
The plans to improve the area near the railway station are good. The biggest concern is the amount of new builds. Great Chart used to be a stand-alone village.
Kingsnorth was the same. There are many who have moved to a village because they wish for the rural life. We have to be mindful of this and ensure that these villages are not merged into a sprawling town.
I will conclude by wishing all that represent us seasons greetings and thank them for their efforts, which I know are not always understood or appreciated. Graham Sutherland Singleton