• I WOULD like to express my concern if the Camden Highline proposals are taken any further (Backers of Camden Highline project not deterred by £50 million cost, February 8).

Normally I’d welcome a high quality new walking route. I’ve enjoyed New York’s High Line, which reminded me of London’s South Bank riverside walk, and I also remember a spectacular view from one point of Highgate’s Parkland Walk. But this seems a lot to spend, just as many were concerned at the cost of the mooted Garden Bridge.

And the rail routes it would displace are of enormous potential value. The section along the North London Line could form part of a scheme to restore regular services to the route through Primrose Hill, say as part of a new through service from Watford to the East London Line; and it could help to relieve routes such as the M25 by adding to London’s rail freight capacity.

Furthermore the ability to run West Coast Main Line trains to St Pancras will surely be of inestimable value when access to Euston is restricted, whether by unplanned disruption or by work to rebuild Euston as the HS2 terminus, assuming that scheme goes ahead, or for any other redevelopment proposal if it doesn’t.

Walkers already have a high amenity route between St Pancras and Camden Town in the form of the Regent’s Canal.

SIMON NORTON
Howitt Close, NW3