Don’t stop Notting Hill carnival – we should celebrate it

As a retired Metropolitan police officer and former resident of Notting Hill, I agree with Leroy Logan that there should be a revised approach to planning and policing for the carnival (Millions loved the Notting Hill carnival but we need less crime. As an ex-cop, I have ideas to make it better, 27 August).
Despite its challenges and the short-term negative impact for some local residents and businesses, there is largely a sense of pride in the community of hosting Europe’s largest street party. It also ensures Notting Hill is globally known. The high numbers of tourists visiting year-round, and contributing to the local economy, no doubt come largely due to the carnival connection. The carnival is not an easy event to police and manage. But as President John F Kennedy once said: “We choose to [do] things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” Let’s not give up on the carnival. There is much to celebrate and improve.Mick FreeSlad, Gloucestershire
How refreshing it is to hear a rounded view about the Notting Hill carnival from a black police officer who was in the Met. As a white lady in my 50s, I attended every year from 1989 until 2005. The sights and sounds, and the memories my friends and I have, are special, but we can’t bring back memories with photos. I went last year with those friends and it was just as brilliant. More expensive for a Red Stripe, yes. More commercial sponsorship, yes. Black, white, brown still getting down together, yes!Zoe Baker Edenbridge, Kent