‘This tax will decimate the Italian community in Clerkenwell’

• HAVING read articles in your newspaper regarding the extension of Congestion Charge hours, I write on behalf of members of the Italian community in London.

Most of our community has been frequenting St Peter’s Italian Church and Social Centre for many years, with most visits occurring either over the weekend or in the evenings.

The decision to extend the Congestion Charge for travel during these times will mean that many will have to reconsider visits to what has been their spiritual and cultural home since they or their ancestors arrived in London.

There has been an Italian community in Clerkenwell in an area historically known as “Little Italy” since before the church was built in 1863.

The impact will be compounded by the fact that the elderly cannot, or – following Covid-19 will be too scared to – travel by public transport. This tax will decimate the Italian community in Clerkenwell.

This would be in addition to the negative and punitive effect on the restaurant and hospitality businesses in central London, where many of our community work.

I understand that the charge must rise [from £11.50 to £15] in order to meet the deficit caused by Covid-19, however, the extension of the hours to include the weekend and evenings will do irrevocable damage to the London Italian community, of which I am very proud to be a part.

It seems that everyone is abnegating responsibility for this decision, with the government blaming Transport for London and the Mayor of London; while they are saying that they are acting under government’s instructions.

Someone has the power to reverse the decision on extending the hours?

MODESTO TONDELLI
For and behalf of St Peter’s Italian Social Centre