Marble Arch fountains, an area that’s falling into disrepair

• A REGULAR event at the Marble Arch fountains is the washing and drying of clothes (see above).

Marble Arch Monument is undergoing refurbishment while the rest of the area falls into disrepair and is colonised by professional beggars.

There is no enforcement by police, the city council, or the business improvement district patrol teams.

Endless reports about their anti-social behaviour posted on “Report It” are ignored (or removed).

In fact there is no “heading” under which to report the constant activity of “begging” on Oxford Street.

That, in itself, shows that it is tolerated by officials despite the proliferation of handwritten cardboard signs at each of the regular “begging” pitches.

If these people are in thrall to gangmasters and forced to beg then surely the “people-trafficking” offence must apply.

The rejuvenation plans for Oxford Street announce new trees, civic amenities, and seating, but miss out the beggars who are now surely a firm fixture year-on-year outside sports shops and department stores.

JIM HILL, W2