Waitrose in Camden High Street

• I NOTE with some regret that the Camden Town branch of Waitrose closed on September 12, (Customers hand staff flowers as Waitrose closes down in Camden High Street, September 13).

While they have undoubtedly taken a commercial decision based on the market return, our gratitude is focused on the less monetised aspects of their contribution to the Camden community.

Outside of its activities in raising much needed funds for many local charities, its street-facing coffee shop has also provided many citizens with a welcome space to rest and debate.

Such spaces are much-needed at a time when many community services and centres are being closed down, not for lack of want, but for failed political ideologies. Is it not a positive thing that as the Camden citizenship rushes by, behind that big glass frontage the world is being saved?

We are grateful for having been afforded the possibility to meet new friends and renew old acquaintances through this social interface. Will the new owners take this into consideration please?

TREVOR O’FARRELL
Stratford Villas, NW1