What are the costs of the new "Welcome to Cessnock" signs that have been erected?

That money could be better spent on one of the main thoroughfares to Cessnock - Government Road, Weston.

The area near the bridge is a disgrace. Not to mention other roads around the place such as Mitchell Avenue from Kurri to Weston.

Even the railway crossing at Mitchell Avenue is dangerous, with next to no visibility to the west if heading south towards Kurri Kurri.

The council continues to refurbish roads where that money could be better spent elsewhere.

The council even won't spend money to deter speeding on streets such as Fourth Street after people suggested simple relatively low cost solutions.

I'm sure Weston isn't the only area with such issues.

I read an article that reported the deal signed for the possible development of a coal fired power station within four kilometres of the township of Kurri Kurri.

It would appear that Chinese interest at the expense of the lifestyle and the environment in Australia has no bounds.

At a time when we should be promoting renewable energy and the employment it will bring, this proposal is unbelievably shortsighted and should not even get past the first stage of approvals.

The area nominated in the Hunter Economic Zone precinct has already been identified on several occasions as critical to several endangered species and several smaller projects have failed as a result.

This would have to be the most absurd proposal that I have heard of.

Readers can submit their thoughts through a letter to the editor. Letters should be emailed to cessnock@fairfaxmedia.com.au.