Dear all, thank you indeed for your support! Here is the actual letter Del sent in; I also am in possession of an interesting admission from the GLA but can't attach here. Would anyone mind supplying an email address and I will forward?
The Editor
Evening Standard
Dear Sir,
SOLD DOWN THE RIVER
In your brief article about a Chinese investor buying up Albert Island in the Royal Docks for a property development (May seals £5bn of investment, 10.11.16), it is not revealed that important Thames facilities are being sacrificed.
There was a grand launch with promises by GLA for provision of a much needed boatyard (large enough to service the Thames Clippers, for instance), re-establishment of a marine skills and education centre in the vacated Thames House, and an extended marina. It seems that all these essential facilities will be lost, for ever, as this is the only remaining site left on the Thames in London for such vital marine facilities, which need a waterside location, obviously. Expensive flats do not need to be waterside, except to boost the developers profits by 25%.
Financial dealings are a sign of short-termism, but it is the long-term future of the Thames, and the active use of Londons waterways that should be considered.
We need to bring our waterways back to life, even though they are being degraded by canyonisation with excessive property development.
We have been seriously let down by government as well as the Mayor, who seem to be swayed by £notes waved in front of them, rather than taking responsibility for Londoners and the next generations to breathe life into the Heart of London, our famous river.
Yours sincerely,
DEL BRENNER
Regents Network and
a member of the London Waterways Commission
Tel: 020 8390 2954
P.S. I have attached some details of Albert Island, for your information.