The Ham&High with its Keep It Local campaign launched in last week s edition, and Cllr Chris Philp (Small traders are at the heart of our local communities, H&H October 30) are to be congratulated in campaigning in support of local businesses. One of the

The Ham&High with its Keep It Local campaign launched in last week's edition, and Cllr Chris Philp (Small traders are at the heart of our local communities, H&H October 30) are to be congratulated in campaigning in support of local businesses.

One of these is small building firms and we have seen much work done by local tradespersons in the borough.

However, in April the council raised the fee for parking permits for builders from £9 to £33 per day. This is in effect a tax on small businesses and works out at £165 per week per builder.

In July I wrote to Councillor Mike Greene, Camden Council's executive member for environment, and was told ''we are looking at how we might be able to offer some relief and we will be able to announce proposals over the next few weeks.''

The fact that no such relief has appeared in over three months perhaps indicates the extent to which the present administration supports, in practice, one important part of our local businesses.

MR Farrant

Oak Village, NW5