The Camden Centre in Bidborough Street, London WC1, has been the home of North London CAMRA's London Drinker Beer Festival since 1985. In that time, the Festival had over 100,000 visitors from London, Britain and overseas including Japan!

Now this fine hall, the last Civic Hall in Camden, is under threat. Camden Council is thinking of selling off its Town Hall to take advantage of the high property prices that are resulting from the recent redevelopment due to the presence of the Eurostar terminal. But if they do sell, they would intend to close the Camden Centre and turn it into offices. The proposals are likely to go ahead in the summer of 2010, but we are still not sure if 2009's Beer Festival was the very last one after 25 glorious events. Watch this space for news.

But it is not just the London Drinker Beer Festival that is losing its venue. Many other community events take place here, some have been going over 40 years. Venues of this size at a reasonable price that volunteer and community groups such as ours can afford are few. And the sad thing is that the Hall actually contributes financially to the Council. It really is an asset from all viewpoints. So the Council's proposal is simply raiding the family silver for today's gain without thought of tomorrow.

We are asking everyone who has ever been to the Festival, or used the Centre, to help:

If you live in any part of the Camden Council, please write to your local councillor. You can find their details at www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/council-and-democracy/twocolumn/find-your-ward-by-street-name-or-postcode.en

You can write to Keith Moffit, the Leader of the Council via www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/contacts/council-contacts/council-and-democracy/contact-the-leader-of-camden-council.en or at Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London, WC1H 9JE.

Contact the three Kings Cross Councillors:
abdul.hai@camden.gov.uk
geethika.jayatilaka@camden.gov.uk
jonathan.simpson@camden.gov.uk

Contact the London Assembly member: Brian Coleman: GLA, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA or email: brian.coleman@london.gov.uk

Write to the MP, Frank Dobson: House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA or email: patelm@parliament.uk

We can save this Centre - but only with your help

Cristine Cryne