23 NOVEMBER 1974, Page 4

Saving Piccadilly

From Sir Ames Richards

Sir: May I comment on the remarks about Piccadilly Circus (November 9:)' A It is true that much of the Circus IS 7. disgrace and needs redeveloping, bAtl; this applies particularly to the north siu' which is semi-derelict. The 'Save Pic ca; dilly' campaign referred to is concern with the south side containing he Criterion Theatre, which is occupied v-7 buildings in productive use. They are a little shabby, but only because it be5 suited their owners to let them becola a SO. the Since no plans for rebuilding Circus as a whole now exist, piecenle,ae rebuilding should surely start on north, which is an eyesore whereas ti'd south side is not. It is almost empty, Oa while there are unsightly empty sites or over London it cannot be sensible, ne can we afford the resources, to lea,v,„ these and to pull down buildings voL'i years of useful life in front of them PO, because some property-owners C'!" make greater profits by doing-so.

J. M. Richaro' 29 Fawcett Street, London SW10