As a retired Metropolitan police officer and former resident of Notting Hill, I agree with Leroy Logan that there should be a revised approach to planning and policing for the carnival (Millions loved the Notting Hill carnival but we need less crime. As an ex-cop, I have ideas to make it better, 27 August).
Despite its challenges and the short-term negative impact for some local residents and businesses, there is largely a sense of pride in the community of hosting Europe’s largest street party. It also ensures Notting Hill is globally known. The high numbers of tourists visiting year-round, and contributing to the local economy, no doubt come largely due to the carnival connection. The carnival is not an easy event to police and manage. But as President John F Kennedy once said: “We choose to [do] things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” Let’s not give up on the carnival. There is much to celebrate and improve.
Mick Free
Slad, Gloucestershire
• How refreshing it is to hear a rounded view about the Notting Hill carnival from a black police officer who was in the Met. As a white lady in my 50s, I attended every year from 1989 until 2005. The sights and sounds, and the memories my friends and I have, are special, but we can’t bring back memories with photos. I went last year with those friends and it was just as brilliant. More expensive for a Red Stripe, yes. More commercial sponsorship, yes. Black, white, brown still getting down together, yes!
Zoe Baker
Edenbridge, Kent
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