‘The benefits of Highline will be far beyond the figure of the initial cost,’

• AS a north London resident, as well as a Camden Highline donor, I was disappointed to read Simon Norton’s letter criticising the project (Highline bill too high, February 15).

We should be championing innovative projects like this. There are crucial differences between the Highline and the Garden Bridge. First, the Highline seeks to reuse existing infrastructure rather than building it from scratch.

Second, private donations, rather than public money, will make the project a reality. In both senses it is much more of an appealing prospect than the Garden Bridge.

As far as I am aware neither Network Rail nor Transport for London have any ambitions to return the infrastructure to active service because the capacity improvements are marginal.

The pinch point would merely be pushed further along the line, and the capital cost for doing this would be many times the estimated figure of constructing the Highline.

If anyone has walked along the Regent’s Canal during rush hours, they will know that the pathways are very narrow and this results in challenges for pedestrians and cyclists using the path simultaneously. This is another good reason to create an alternative, green, and healthy route.

The benefits of this project will be far beyond the figure of the initial cost, and the amount mooted seems good value to me. We should be championing innovative projects that will bring health, culture, and business benefits to the local area.

YANI JOSEPH
NW6
More info: www.spacehive.com/camdenhighline