Council was mean-spirited

I was somewhat "staggered" myself reading Zoe Russell of Umina expecting a business organisation to supply public toilets when it is Gosford Council's role to ensure satisfactory services.

That's why we elect councillors isn't it, to act on our behalf?

But I will take the opportunity to clarify matters.

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, which has been operating for over 20 years, represents business interests to all levels of government and does not have a "squabble" with any organisation, business or otherwise.

The facts are, trivial as it might seem, that at our request in 2008 for council to purchase Christmas banners for West St, Umina, retail centre was refused once again.

Although, council did agree that if our Chamber of Commerce purchased the banners at a cost of $3000, council would install them.

They did this in 2008 and they looked fantastic.

However, in 2009, Gosford council refused to install them supposedly through "lack of funds".

So that the Christmas banners would not go to waste entirely, the Peninsula Chamber paid out another $1500 for brackets to be attached to light poles in the Ettalong Beach Club car park.

The banners were then installed by our volunteers.

As a footnote, I might also add that council's director of city services also refused to install the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival banners on the purposely designed light poles.

This is a community event which raises thousands of dollars for Cancer Council and his reason?

Because they had a sponsor logo on the banners.

Another waste of community contribution.

So the only matter Ms Russell should be "staggered" about is the mean-spirited nature of some in Gosford Council.

Letter, 1 Feb 2010 Debra Wales, Umina Beach