• WHILE I support Martin Kennedy’s letter (The new partying in Soho hasn’t the right appeal, April 16), I fear he has totally underestimated the crassness and lack of regard for the area repeatedly demonstrated by Westminster City Council, at no matter what cost to either those who live here (what are we doing here – why don’t we just go away?) or to Soho’s distinctive heritage.

Whoever thought we would see Soho’s streets lined with the ugliest crash barriers known to man (in what dump did the council find them?) or shut off by migraine-yellow fences? It has always been a wonderful place in which to eat and drink.

And, of course, anyone of sense wants to support the regeneration of the hospitality sector. But the scenes of the crush from last Friday evening, April 16, onwards were absolutely terrifying.

Forget about the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, there’s no point in mentioning it to those who packed Soho’s narrow streets and many of whom weren’t buying their drinks in the pubs but from supermarkets, and bringing it in.

The police had to ask Tesco in Dean Street to close because so much alcohol was being bought there by people who then lay or sat in the streets drinking.

That kind of crush is dangerous, any time, anywhere. What if somebody tripped and fell, what if somebody lost their phone and their temper?

And this is supposed to regenerate Soho? It will destroy it, and don’t let’s kid ourselves that Westminster City Council will care.

ALIDA BAXTER
Broadwick Street, W1