Camden New Journal - Letters: Closing African eatery leaves bad taste

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Camden New Journal - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: 17 May 2007

Closing African eatery leaves bad taste

• I WAS sorry to read that Camden has refused full planning permission to the African Kitchen Gallery (African restaurant could be forced to close, April 26), and has threatened it with enforcement action to revert to its retail activities, on the grounds that the “change of use would result in the permanent loss of a unit in Class A1 (retail) use and an overconcentration of Class A3 uses to the detriment of the character, function, vitality and viability of the Drummond Street Neighbourhood Centre”.
These notions are surely entirely misguided. The business’s retail use as a seller of African arts and crafts remains a rare and valuable facility in London. This is complemented by the sale of African food which equally adds to the character and diversity not only of Drummond Street, but to that of Camden and of London as a whole.
In this year 2007 when we celebrate turning our backs on slavery, Camden should welcome the existence of this business in both its interacting elements.
MALLORY WOBER
Lancaster Grove, NW3

•I WAS startled to read that the planning department is intending to close down the Afro-Caribbean eatery. This is the only affordable and popular Afro-Caribbean eating place in Central London. I cannot imagine why the council would want to do such a thing.It is appalling to deprive the public of such delightful venue.
RICHARD BLEAZARD
Old Royal Free Square, N1

Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, Camden New Journal, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@camdennewjournal.co.uk. The deadline for letters is midday Tuesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

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