Work for Soho Square is ongoing - letter from Cllr Jonathan Glanz

• A COMPREHENSIVE and ongoing programme of works is being undertaken to Soho Square and, as a local resident, I am sure Malcolm Rasala (Mud patch, Letters March 12) is aware that those works have started. 

He will also have seen the extreme and unusual weather conditions which have affected the gardens.

He will have noted that all the shrub areas have been pruned and thinned, that some 60 per cent of the shrubs are newly planted and mulched and that this process is ongoing and will be continued for the next three weeks in time for the main growing season.

The trees have been pruned but returfing was delayed because of the inclement weather and is due to start next week.

A small wheelie bins compound will be complete by April and a survey is being undertaken which will lead to quotations being obtained to lift and, where necessary, relay any broken paving. These works should be undertaken in April or May as the new budget becomes available.

Westminster has received a number of awards in relation to the quality of its parks and open spaces. 

Mr Rasala refers to high taxes but knows that more than 92 per cent of the business rates on any commercial property that he occupies is paid over to central government and is not available for use in Westminster. 

Schemes are being brought forward to address maintenance, repair and upgrade of streets within Soho. 

While I share Mr Rasala’s impatience to get things done I have, since elected, worked positively to achieve real improvements and will continue to do so.

Cllr Jonathan Glanz
Conservative, West End ward