The residents of Haverstock ward showed up in droves last Monday night at the town hall and filled up the public gallery. A deputation of some of the more courageous victims of persistent crime and disorder in the Malden Road and surrounding areas, despit

The residents of Haverstock ward showed up in droves last Monday night at the town hall and filled up the public gallery. A deputation of some of the more courageous victims of persistent crime and disorder in the Malden Road and surrounding areas, despite daily threat and intimidation by local youths, decided to try to address the council to shed light on their plight.

These are the very people who had plenty to say about the crucial issues you highlighted in 'Telling a Bronx tale of life in Kentish Town'. Yet, at the last moment, the council rejected their application to address them. The reason given for this dismissal was that their schedule was too full.

Understandably, the Haverstock ward residents who are due to vote for a by-election on July 12 were infuriated that Hampstead was given priority.

Among others, a Gospel Oak delegation spoke up about the reduction of investment in youth facilities in their area. Fiona Millar, also of Gospel Oak, addressed the council about school selection. Haverstock, however, was off the agenda. Why?

The coalition would have us believe that no contentious business can be dealt with before an election. They call this 'purdah'. So, the hot issues of the day were 'tabooed'.

All I can say, is thank God for the local Press. Without them, there would be no democracy left.

Meanwhile, the residents of Haverstock are gathering strength. They are beginning to rebel against the injustice they are suffering and may well form a group of vigilantes. One can only wonder whether the police resources to dampen their justified anger and enthusiasm to defend themselves against anti-social behaviour would equal those applied to stop the criminal activities from going on in the first place.

The coalition started out well by keeping their promise to save the Kentish Town Swimming Baths. A promise, I hasten to add, they repeated incessantly until the last day of the last local election despite any 'purdah'. Have they begun to take the voters for granted?

Celine La Freniere

Talacre Road, NW5