AS can be seen from the correspondence on these pages, the Kenwood Concerts controversy is far from over. Indeed, it may only just be starting. If English Heritage chief Simon Thurley was trying to bring matters to a head by announcing last week that thi

AS can be seen from the correspondence on these pages, the Kenwood Concerts controversy is far from over. Indeed, it may only just be starting.

If English Heritage chief Simon Thurley was trying to bring matters to a head by announcing last week that this summer's concerts would not take place, he has certainly succeeded. And perhaps it is no bad thing to have a year-long breathing space in which everyone can take stock.

What is clear from the mountain of correspondence we have received is that even those who object to the concerts in their present form do want them back, admittedly in a more sedate manner more in keeping with what they claim is the original spirit of the event.

And this might be a good starting point for 2008. English Heritage should be exploring ways of restoring the concerts in a way that celebrates the uniqueness of Kenwood while raising much-needed cash. Patronage of such an event, be it over a long weekend, or perhaps a week of concerts, or a carefully-chosen series throughout the summer, would be an interesting proposition for potential sponsors who would help to pay the bills.

As a trade-off, might the protesters give their blessing to just one 'blockbuster' event that would bring in the crowds while earning English Heritage some much-needed cash?

If there is a way forward, let's find it. Very few people seem to be celebrating the fact that the concerts have disappeared from the summer schedule, perhaps for ever.