Talacre development

• I’VE just seen the article about what is clearly a scandal associated with the Talacre development (Lawyers tell Town Hall: Forget £3million debt – it can’t be collected, August 6), and the first question that sings out is, surely, who are the lawyers that have allowed this, and decided on behalf of Camden residents that the alleged debt of £3million of public money was not worth recovering?

Most of us, and even most councillors from whichever party, have not the energy to pursue these recurring issues, but we should salute the heroic efforts of those who do, such as, in this case, Nick Harding.

When I was a councillor Nick and I did bump up against each other but I always admired his tenacity.

Nick Harding

From what I read in the CNJ he has pursued his suspicions for well over 10 relentless years, investigating the sale at the Land Registry and filing scores of Freedom of Information requests.

Council officials, who should have supported him, have branded him as “vexatious”. Is there, therefore, something to hide?

I have always believed there was a nasty smell about this development, from the closing of the small traveller park to the ensuing vast profits made by a succession of developers. One developer even rang me up to invite himself around to discuss his proposal.

This was Camden’s land, for which the people of Camden deserve some benefit. But, no, it was swept away for little financial return and under a blanket of secrecy.

If the councillors and officials involved have since left Camden, surely they should still be pursued, if alive; and there remains a case against them.

Now it is up to Camden cabinet members Danny Beales and Richard Olszewski to show some moral courage.

GERRY HARRISON
Former Labour Camden Councillor,
Laughton, Sussex