‘Please tell us how much of these works are essential?’ 

• IN the last few weeks we have been exposed to a new myth – lie, deceit, illusion – generated by the government and embraced by Westminster City Council.

The myth is that only essential works should be undertaken in the public domain and they should be undertaken with social distancing observed wherever possible and/or an appropriate level of personal protection worn.

Now, look around the West End and elsewhere. There is a considerable amount of building works, road works, utility works such as those to install ultra-fast broadband.

Hand on heart, Westminster councillors, government ministers, please tell us how much of that is essential; and please explain how much of it is being undertaken with social distancing and protective clothing.

Would councillors and ministers care to reply?

Manifestly, the city council and G.Network, for example, believe that it is more important to avoid any delay in ultra-fast broadband installation than to adhere to the government and council’s policy.

And to attend to the fact that many residents must stay indoors suffering the noise and air pollution that results.

PETER CAVE
W1