• CAMDEN Council justifies the removal of the flimsy protection afforded by cumulative impact policy areas, coupled with an across-the-board increase in framework hours for licensed premises, by reference to a perceived threat to “Camden’s place in the UK cultural landscape”, (Camden Council to decide on major softening late night licence rules, February 22).

Apparently venues “have faced extreme financial pressures, losing income and trade through lockdowns” and yet there has been a 25 per cent increase in the number of licensed premises in the borough since 2019 and a similar increase in the Camden Town cumulative impact area, which was already saturated, hence the council’s decision to adopt a cumulative impact policy in the first place!

Residents in Camden Town experience the downside of living in one of London’s busiest night-time entertainment areas, an experience made more difficult by the long-term decline in police numbers under this government.

They expect to be properly consulted about these proposals and, above all, they expect the council to honour its promise to “balance the needs of visitors and businesses with those of local people”.

I urge my colleagues to think again.

CLLR RICHARD COTTON
Labour, Camden Town ward