• HAS anyone noticed: London has been evacuated? Literally acres of housing lies empty, council and private flats, blocks and houses.

Take an evening walk from Lisson Grove along Abbey Road as far as Kilburn and the only signs of life are the lone rooms occupied by security.

All the high-rise developments south of the river, the new blocks in West Hampstead lie vacant. The smaller estates, Haddo House, Kiln Place all vacated.

No children play in the yards, no cars in the parks. Where is everybody?

HENRIETTA C NASMYTH
NW5