• I WENT to Coram’s Fields on Bonfire Night as I have done for over 30 years, to see the fireworks for free and always with change for the donations buckets, only to find myself in a large crowd of families and children denied entry.

There were no marshals available to speak to everyone outside and one, on the inside of the gate, told us they were full to capacity.

He was surprised when he asked people to move back they would not do so.

Of course not, because for more than 30 years they never locked people out or turned people away.

Isn’t that the ethos of Coram’s?

This year there was room for fairground rides, food stalls and “priority” areas for people who paid.

But this community resource for children and their families has shut the doors on them.

I agree with the woman who wrote in complaining about the selling of resources by renting out space for money.

Coram’s fireworks were the one free community event for all.

Staff at Coram’s had been there years and knew everyone. So do not threaten them with “new” contracts.

Get rid of the fairground attractions and food stalls, stop renting out sports pitches, stop allowing marquees for office parties and events.

My two adult sons played in Coram’s all of their childhood.

Hogarth and Handel both raised funds for the Foundling Hospital as was.

Where are the modern day equivalent patrons and philanthropists? There are plenty of wealthy and well known artists in the borough. How about asking the community to help with raising funds for firework night?

New ideas? Involve the community.

Security staff were under pressure but all bar one dived behind the gates to avoid the frustrated crowds they locked out.

Disgraceful, cowardly, and sad.

ELLENY PAGE, WC1