• YOU published our letter regarding Camden’s evening and night-time economy (ENTE) strategy, and the associated licensing policy, (We need to be involved, February 8).

Camden Council have said that they have been engaging with the community on the ENTE strategy for “many months”. We now know that this is not true.

There has been no engagement on the ENTE strategy with any residents or residents’ groups since the end of the citizens assembly in March 2023, 11 months ago.

The citizens’ assembly commented on three draft strategies which all, like the Camden plan, refer to the need for there to be a balance between the needs of businesses and visitors and those of residents.

This is especially important in areas like ours which have over 65 per cent of the existing evening and night-time economy.

We have now seen the vision proposed for the strategy. This does not even mention any need for balance. Presumably this is why the council felt able to propose a licensing policy that would have destroyed any balance that currently exists.

At the moment it is planned that the ENTE strategy goes to cabinet for approval at the end of February. We ask that this is delayed so that there can be a proper discussion on the strategy both with the members of the citizens’ assembly (as was supposed to have already happened, but has not) and with residents in the areas that will be most impacted by the measures proposed.

Only once these discussions have taken place, and a suitable balance been achieved in the ENTE strategy, should a revised strategy be presented for adoption.

BLOOMSBURY ASSOCIATION,
BLOOMSBURY RESIDENTS’ ACTION GROUP,
CHARLOTTE STREET ASSOCIATION,
COVENT GARDEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION,
KENTISH TOWN ROAD ACTION,
SEVEN DIALS TRUST,
SOUTH BLOOMSBURY TENANTS’ & RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION,
TENANTS’ & RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION OF CAMDEN TOWN