Reply to comment

I am very saddened, as a former Camden resident, and resident now in Greater London (Bromley), to read the comment of the Camden Council spokesperson that their "duty", in this matter, is to let commercial properties at market rent.

The nature of Marchmont Street, in Bloomsbury, reflects the diversity of the local population and could almost be considered a national treasure, in the range of services, all, as I recall, small concerns, there.

The duty of a local council is to provide services that reflect the need within their local community and London's only gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgender bookshop (welcoming all) surely fits this remit?

I am a frequent (monthly) visitor to Gay's The Word. The only comparable store in the country is "News From Nowhere" in Liverpool's Berry Street. "News" - or knowledge - is key here - if you think you can download the information you can obtain by just dropping into one of these places online you're wrong! (And, of course, many people are still out of this particular "loop").

Apart from the "draw" to Marchmont Street that "Gay's The Word" offers the bibliophile homosexual (and I consider Paris' "Mots a la Bouche" a draw to Paris), I think that the Council's particular view of this community service should be taken in light of the "value added" in terms of meeting commitments to adult education, community participation and inclusiveness. Unfortunately, these factors are hidden from some.

It is true to say that Gay's The Word's doors are not closed to anyone who wants to come in for an enlightening browse or chat.

At a time of tight purses for everyone: business owners; councils and their users, we should not forget that small is sometimes beautiful - would we prefer to have a Starbucks, MacDonalds or similar, occupying this site and would that add anything to the qudos of the area or the well-being of its residents?

I would recommend every reisdent of Camden, who is in possession of their faculties and able to walk or otherwise move, to proceed to Gay's The Word to both see what is going on and to pledge their support for this regional - and national - treasure.

Ian Thompson
Bromley
BR1