New play facilities in Somers Town

EVERYBODY should be roaring on the Plot 10 project and its neighbours in Somers Town to win the Stirling Prize, (Will council’s regen project win architecture’s biggest award? October 19).

What a story that would be, for a play centre built from scratch in such modest conditions 50 years ago to possibly win one of the most glittering prizes in architecture.

We have our fingers crossed and hopefully the judges will see past the notion that there is nothing new about football pitches on roofs, because it is new for the children who are now benefiting from the provision.

The New Journal has visited Plot 10 many, many times over the years, watching its loyal staff persevere through thick and thin. It conjured up miracles from very little and it’s hard to think of a team who deserved this transformation more.

Any discontent on how the regeneration was funded was nothing to do with them.

It is regrettable it could not have been direct investment, or even covered by money from a philanthropist from the very big businesses nearby.

Instead, somewhere else had to lose out, this time the people who valued the green space on which a tower of private flats has been built.

Camden’s regeneration chief Danny Beales this week said that the transformation showed what could be done when resources are made available to councils.

We agree, and therefore look forward to Labour’s general election manifesto and Sir Keir Starmer pledging the millions Camden needs to recreate the Somers Town magic all around the borough, without having to shave off open space to developers.

The complaint of Tory cuts will no longer be valid.

Opposition eliminated?

Sian Berry is running for parliament in Brighton

The Greens may be in a precarious position in Camden having only one councillor but Sian Berry has done the right thing and announced she is stepping down from the council chamber to concentrate her time on a parliamentary election in Brighton, (Highgate set for council by-election as Greens’ Sian Berry steps down, October 19).

Given how demanding a serious campaign in a close-fought constituency can be, it’s only fair to her ward constituents in Highgate.

It can be a dubious claim for anybody to pretend they can do both with the same gusto. Her departure opens up a by-election in which Labour will look to claim its 47th seat in the council chamber. If they beat the Greens, there will be only eight opposition council­lors left against that sea of red.

Camden is a place where we have traditionally enjoyed rich debates which have held the ruling power to account. You cannot blame Labour for chasing every seat and enjoying each victory, but even the most partisan agree democracy needs voices of scrutiny.