Sir, – Arthur Deeny’s assessment of Smithfield (July 26th) is not quite correct. There are tentative signs that the area is beginning to improve. The abandoned hotel has been reopened by a trendy youth hostel operator bringing flock loads of young tourists to the area. The Lighthouse Cinema has reopened, a new bright, airy cafe has opened along with plans to open a Tesco in an empty unit and the continued success of Block T as a cultural venue.
There is work still to be done. I would suggest existing empty units should be used as pop-up spaces for small businesses, community groups and artists.
There is an opportunity for Smithfield to become a cultural quarter in the city. The politicians in City Hall should not be allowed to make their usual mess of things. – Yours, etc,