The Magdala pub

• I WAS pleased to read in the letter by Fiona Lafferty that a new licensing application for the Magdala pub has been submitted to Camden Council, (Submission to reopen the Magdala has gone in to the council, March 28).

Ms Lafferty is correct; it is excellent news. I hope the application is successful and I look forward to toasting the pub’s reopening over a drink there with Ms Lafferty soon.

I do, however, have to admit to being rather confused by her comment that this new application “goes to show” that the local councillors “really can make a difference”.

While no doubt generally true, I’m not exactly clear on what role she is suggesting the local councillors played here.

Is Ms Lafferty suggesting that they are somehow responsible for the appearance of a new application? That they encouraged the applicant to apply for the licence, or have assisted him with the application?

Supporters of the reopening of the Magdala will no doubt want to hear all about what they did to “make a difference” so that we can all offer them the appropriate praise and credit. I am sure she will enlighten us in these pages next week.

HAMISH HUNTER
Nassington Road, NW3