• IT would appear that Belsize Terrace is existing under a new identity.

As far as I can see the area is now totally monopolised by Roni’s Bagel Bakery.

This one café / restaurant, the only remaining participant in the Belsize Village Streatery scheme, obviously finds it perfectly acceptable to spread its (unoccupied) tables and chairs across the terrace while local residents are pushed to the boundaries of the space to where the benches have been exiled since the summer of 2020.

Has this area been officially renamed “Roni’s Terrace” because that is exactly what it’s become?

I do not recall any consultation which suggested this former public open space be gifted by the community to one single trader on the pretext of being part of a streatery.

Roni’s has ample space directly outside its premises which is constantly in use. How much more of this area can it justifiably occupy?

Remove the hype and the fictional accounts of praise flooding social media and the truth becomes clearly apparent.

The streatery model met its demise with the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic. While no one objects to outdoor dining, it must be contained within the spaces directly adjoining the restaurants.

Pedestrians, wheelchair users, and parents pushing buggies, are now forced off the pavements into the road.

Time this entire scheme had a complete overhaul, if not its marching orders.

CHARLES NATHAN, NW3