Lord Bracknell
On fire
From today's Argus:-
Stadium site photo altered
by ROB HUSTWAYTE
CAMPAIGNERS fighting for a new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion have complained that Lewes District Council has doctored a picture in its anti-Falmer literature.
The Falmer For All campaign launched an investigation into the photographs used in the latest issue of the council's District Link newsletter sent to all homes.
It contains a three-page feature defending the council's decision to oppose the stadium and challenge the planning permission in the High Court.
In one picture depicting "downland around Falmer" the council has apparently superimposed an image of two walkers, blocking out both the stadium site at Village Way North and a cluster of University of Brighton buildings. The campaigners say it make the site more attractive than it really is.
Peter Near, who conducted the investigation on behalf of Falmer For All, presented The Argus with a dossier of evidence to support the claims.
He said: "You have to ask why they put these two men in the picture.
"They are blocking the ugly university buildings and brownfield element of the stadium site and it presents a completely false picture.
"It also suggests that the site is used by walkers but our investigations have shown the photograph of those two men was actually taken near Alfriston, many miles away".
In another section of the newsletter the council says it is opposing the stadium for the sake of people wishing to enjoy the Downs. The story is illustrated by a picture but the campaign claims the photograph actually shows walkers at Ditchling Beacon, four miles away.
Mr Near said: "They are deceiving their electorate. The pictures have not been captioned as to where they are, leading readers to suspect they are the sites being talked about in the article.
"I quite agree the real Downs and magnificent landscapes should be saved but the stadium site is a muddy field next to the A27 and a load of drab university buildings, separated from the Downs by a busy road. They are literally covering up the truth and we are incensed".
Editor of District Link, Liz Lacon, the council's press officer, refused to comment in detail on the allegations, but said in a statement: "We illistrated the piece with an original photo in the main image page seven and eight.
"The photo at the bottom of page eight illustrates the beauty of the South Downs".
Council-tax payer Jane Heath, 35, of Telscombe Cliffs, said: "It is quite obvious one picture has been tampered with and the other is misleading.
"I'm worried other people will get taken in by it.
"My council tax paid for this and I am disgusted.
"The council has had its fair say on this issue and now the majority vote should prevail".
Albion Chief Executive Martin Perry said: "Doesn't it just show the weakness of its case when the council is resorting to doctored pictures to get its message across?"
Stadium site photo altered
by ROB HUSTWAYTE
CAMPAIGNERS fighting for a new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion have complained that Lewes District Council has doctored a picture in its anti-Falmer literature.
The Falmer For All campaign launched an investigation into the photographs used in the latest issue of the council's District Link newsletter sent to all homes.
It contains a three-page feature defending the council's decision to oppose the stadium and challenge the planning permission in the High Court.
In one picture depicting "downland around Falmer" the council has apparently superimposed an image of two walkers, blocking out both the stadium site at Village Way North and a cluster of University of Brighton buildings. The campaigners say it make the site more attractive than it really is.
Peter Near, who conducted the investigation on behalf of Falmer For All, presented The Argus with a dossier of evidence to support the claims.
He said: "You have to ask why they put these two men in the picture.
"They are blocking the ugly university buildings and brownfield element of the stadium site and it presents a completely false picture.
"It also suggests that the site is used by walkers but our investigations have shown the photograph of those two men was actually taken near Alfriston, many miles away".
In another section of the newsletter the council says it is opposing the stadium for the sake of people wishing to enjoy the Downs. The story is illustrated by a picture but the campaign claims the photograph actually shows walkers at Ditchling Beacon, four miles away.
Mr Near said: "They are deceiving their electorate. The pictures have not been captioned as to where they are, leading readers to suspect they are the sites being talked about in the article.
"I quite agree the real Downs and magnificent landscapes should be saved but the stadium site is a muddy field next to the A27 and a load of drab university buildings, separated from the Downs by a busy road. They are literally covering up the truth and we are incensed".
Editor of District Link, Liz Lacon, the council's press officer, refused to comment in detail on the allegations, but said in a statement: "We illistrated the piece with an original photo in the main image page seven and eight.
"The photo at the bottom of page eight illustrates the beauty of the South Downs".
Council-tax payer Jane Heath, 35, of Telscombe Cliffs, said: "It is quite obvious one picture has been tampered with and the other is misleading.
"I'm worried other people will get taken in by it.
"My council tax paid for this and I am disgusted.
"The council has had its fair say on this issue and now the majority vote should prevail".
Albion Chief Executive Martin Perry said: "Doesn't it just show the weakness of its case when the council is resorting to doctored pictures to get its message across?"
