Sign the petition

Published: 17 June, 2010

• I AM grateful for your coverage of the Duke of Hamilton and you can tell from the letters received that its threatened demise is of considerable concern to residents, regulars, and visitors far and wide.

Many of us feel that not only would we lose a lovely traditional pub but we fear the total loss of character of New End and the general erosion of trade and business in Hampstead if the site becomes merely another residential block.

Hampstead is made up of areas that have their own distinct features.

New End has its interesting mix of amenities, housing, old and new.

The way the area is made up, with a local shop, a theatre, an art gallery, and two different types of pub, makes it attractive and unusual.

The front terrace garden of the pub is one of the most pleasant spaces in Hampstead; the whole site acts as a landmark and contributes to a vibrant community feel.

How can we possibly let that go? Heath Street, one of the prettiest shopping streets, already experienced the loss of footfall and interest when the Horse and Groom closed.

That site is now just another anonymous building and people find less reason to visit or to shop along there because variety and choice is diminished.

Residents and activists are energetically fighting to prevent its closure. 

Besides sending in your comments to the Camden’s planning department, please come along to the street stall outside Barclays Bank this Saturday June 19 to sign the petitions.
CLLR LINDA CHUNG
Liberal Democrat,
Hampstead Town ward