• MUCH has been written in the Extra and on social media regarding the impact the coronavirus lockdown has had on Soho businesses.

As a resident, I understand the need and desire of restaurants and cafés to have street space given over so they can open safely and their customers can social-distance.

This is something I support and would encourage Westminster City Council to look at road closures and parking bay suspensions to aid this.

However, this cannot come at the expense of Soho’s only market, Berwick Street.

During lockdown the stalls on the market provided essentials to residents and gave us all a sense of normality in a deeply strange time.

I find it strange that the council will not support the market more. We need a market that sells a wide range of products for residents, workers, and visitors. It should not become an outdoor food hall.

The council also need to make sure the stalls have the space to set up and are not blocked by restaurants.

We need all businesses to thrive; but the market offers something unique and if we lose that it will never return.

I urge the council to get behind the market, invest some time and money into making sure it’s a success. Be assured the residents of Soho will appreciate it.

SOHO RESIDENT
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