With apologies to John Constable [johnsadlerillustration.com]

• IN the past few months I’ve heard much whingeing by certain friends and neighbours about how it is no longer such a delight to go to their local open spaces like Hampstead Heath for a walk or a run because “since the lockdown, it’s become overcrowded”.

New enthusiasts for our open spaces are spoken of with great disapproval as people who have ruined our lives.

In fact, that opprobrium would be better aimed at our councillors and planners. Because the new enthusiasm for London’s open air is simply highlighting how little good open space is available for the massive population of our city.

We must capitalise on this to stop greedy developers from filling up every gap in the townscape with luxury flats. Councillors and planners should take note with regard to every future bid to cash in on our neighbourhoods!

Just say no to greed and save our fresh air.

FW EVANS, NW3