• I AM a Clerkenwell resident and read with interest the article: (What would Sylvia have wanted? January 27).

I live close to Clerkenwell Green and I strongly support the council’s plans for the Green and, in particular, the plan for a statue of Sylvia Pankhurst. It is entirely appropriate for there to be a statue of Sylvia Pankhurst on the green.

It sits well with the radical tradition of the area and is a fitting tribute to the work which Sylvia carried out in the Clerkenwell area to combat the fascist recruitment drive aimed at the local Italian community in the 1920s.

Sylvia was a tireless campaigner for equality for all peoples: for women and children, fighting racism and much more.

As reported, Clerkenwell Green is known as “the headquarters of republicanism, revolution and ultra nonconformity”. This is why it makes such an excellent location for the statue and why the statue is so appropriate.

It is notable, and welcome, that the statue is supported by Emily Thornberry, Islington South & Finsbury Labour MP and by other prominent and well-respected campaigners and organisations.

I do not understand the comment in the Tribune report “we don’t want any commercial encroachment on the green”, as the statue is in no way commercial.

The planned statue looks beautiful and is an important and attractive part of the plans for the green. It will enhance the refurbished area.

I am sure Sylvia would feel very much at home and would be warmly welcomed by Clerkenwell residents and visitors alike.

STEPHEN CAVALIER, EC1