I replied as follows:
Thank you for opening up the real discussion about the relationship between Hastings Pier Justice & beyond (see https://www.facebook.com/groups/hastingsjustice/ and http://Facebook.com/Eastbourne Pier Fire) . In the second half of this film (whilst I'm driving back from Eastbourne) I suggest that Eastbourne's benefit may simply be as a result of their fire coming after ours (& the learning about the importance of pier fires in relation to local regeneration that has arisen out of Hastings experience: http://youtu.be/DGHxvTk_yn8 ).
To your posting below about your BBC Radio Sussex dialogue with Cllr Jeremy Birch I have also added a comment (& extended quote):
As I claimed in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer to be the one who moved to Hastings & St Leonards to work with the victims of Hastings Pier Fire (see http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/news/letters/we-need-to-act-if-we-want-justice-1-2756987), here is the verbatim posting to the main blog about the fire and it's consequences (& now Eastbourne too); which ideally is to be read alongside the http://Facebook.com/EastbournePierFire page I've set up and ask you to view, like and ideally engage with more fully:
Felix said...
"Dear All
As someone who lost at least 60,000pounds in equipment, shop fittings and stock in the pier fire, I find the idea of restorative justice, for me, can only follow one path other than a long jail term, that the two individuals responsible pay for their crimes by paying me and paying the other leaseholders on the pier what they are owed because of their fire related losses too. The loss of the entire shop means a hard long term effect. The Police wanted these two charged and to face a jury. However the Crown Prosecution Service said that there wasn't enough evidence despite all the professional law enforcement people who disagreed with them.
I am not too sure why HPWRT are so involved with this process as they do not own the pier - although I am sure their heart is in the right place.
The other right and proper course of justice is for them to face a fair trial in Court in front of a jury.
We already know that one of their friends in particular is quite disgusted with the way in which they have been bragging in the pub about how they have burned the pier down and got away with it.
It is interesting that the Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the fire and I do think that it is a bit rich of these two to moan about the stress they are feeling because of the length of time they were kept waiting to know whether or not they were to be prosecuted.
The fire affected leaseholders on the pier have certainly not forgotten them.
I don't want sorry, I just want them to pay us our money - that we need and can't afford to lose, end of.
Thank you.
Felix, owner of the destroyed tanning salon on Hastings Pier."
(Comment posted to http://sussexcommunity.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/booking-to-attend-1st-anniversary-film.html )
*******
NEXT STEPS in community development, co-creating a "more caring and sharing community around you."(?)
1) Value community learning opportunities eg "Hastings Pier Fire Justice Fiasco"/ "We Need To Act If We Want Justice"
2) In responses to all conflagrations develop creativity & flexible nonviolent (direct) action
3) Earn our care in later years by acts of service this week
4) Generate support structures for all with as much wisdom and compassion as we can foster for self and other/world.
(http://StLeonardsSharing.info)
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