In line with the statement from the ARM Council that ARM's activities would be escalated in the light of Britain's Appeal Court judges treating Steve Thoburn and the Metric Martyrs as criminals, yesterday the Metric Pollution Division amended 130 metric distances in Hastings, East Sussex, to read in miles or yards.

These were mostly along Hastings promenade. Most regrettably, lack of time meant that just six metric distances (out of nearly 200) still remain polluting the promenade.

A 'nest' of illegal metric footpath signs was discovered in 'The Ridge' area of Hastings and before night fell, 8 of these were amended with suitable imperial plaques being affixed to them showing the correct distances in yards. At least two more such signs were seen and there is every reason to believe more exist. A third raid on Hastings will be required.

A press statement will be released exclusively to the Hastings Observer and our Information Officer Polly Peck will inform Hastings Borough Council.

One extraordinary sight, just by the Abbey National in the town centre, are two distance signs to local organsiations. One says '125 yards', the other, right next to it, says '100m'.

We apologise that time did not permit us to visit the esteemed Chairman of BWMA, Mike Plumbe, who has been living amongst this pollution for some time.

Metric Pollution Division

If it is possible to get a photo that features BOTH of these signs (the 125 yds and 100m), it would come in very useful as it would illustrate very effectively the haphazard way in which distances are described.

It never ceases to amaze us at BWMA how local authorities can prosecute traders for not complying with the 1994 Unit of Measurement Regulations - and then themselves repeatedly break the 1994 Traffic Regulations by putting up metric signs.

A clear picture of the adjacent '100m' and '125 yds' signs was taken. A copy will be forwarded to an appropriate member of BWMA in due course - we anticipate within 2 weeks

Daisy Chain
Photographic Assistant
ARM