Two accidents in 12 years

In your last edition (February 10), Cr Holstein makes several errors in responding to criticism of Council's waste of $600 000 on a roundabout at Mt Ettalong.

Cr Holstein claims that: "This intersection is dangerous and is long overdue for upgrade."

Had Cr Holstein bothered to read a memo sent to all councillors from the acting Director - Engineering Operations, Mr Will Laurence, on January 20, he would have read that there have been two accidents in the past 12 years.

How much safer could it be?

Holstein also claims that the "revised" plan addresses residents concerns about the isolation of the general store.

This is not so, as the parking spaces in front of the store will be totally eliminated by this revised plan.

The memo to councillors also states that a large banksia in Mt Ettalong Rd was to be retained.

This tree is now in council's tip and we would like to know what action is to be taken against the person(s) responsible for this vandalism.

Why was this tree removal rushed in January when we were told work would start in February?

It has recently been bought to our attention that the general store probably enjoys "existing use" rights under section 106 - 108 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Why has council ignored this aspect of their proposal?

Bryan Ellis, Umina