• CLOSING local halls is a subject highlighted by your report, (‘What ‘would we do without it?’ Concern over future of hall, November 7).

I attended many meetings in it when the late great Alan Walter was fighting the council’s intention to dump its housing into an ersatz housing association.

West Hampstead had its hall converted by the council into a nursery group because it had an immediate problem housing the latter but having sorted that issue, failed in the long term to find sensible suitable accommodation and return the hall to its proper function.

It should do so now.

I sometimes wonder if the council sees these community facilities as an annoying row on one of their spreadsheets. Well run, they can house endless events, including music, musical competitions, plays, warm hubs, evening classes, speciality groups… the list is endless, possibly including a sort of Dragons’ Den.

Camden should realise that local halls are an important community asset and treat them accordingly.

PETER RUTHERFORD, NW6