[rst22]

I can't actually find the article online, but if anyone comes across more info on these plans then post in here.

The Evening Standard is saying that plans have been submitted for approval to Westminster council to turn Walkers Court in Soho into offices. People can say it's sleazy and seedy - but doesn't this just further sanitise another area of London?

Love it or loathe it, this is part of the character of Soho. I'm quite happy with a number of the changes in Soho over the years. The area used to be rife with drug dealers and prostitutes and wasn't all that safe until the 90's. On the whole, Soho strikes a good balance now between being edgy, bohemian and a place with good clubs, bars and restaurants. But Walkers Court is probably the last remnant of the old Soho. It is hardly dangerous anymore and just adds a slightly risque vibe to the area.


Walker's Court Soho by Matt From London, on Flickr


"Porn Alley" (Walker's Court), Berwick Street, Soho by Luke Robinson, on Flickr


pw008-18 by Lloyd Davis, on Flickr


This was closed in 2004.

http://www.heritage-images.com/Preview/PreviewPage.aspx?id=1271108&pricing=true&licenseType=RM

http://www.cnu.daejeon.kr/AWA/Europ...ISH-WFB Europe-UK-England-London-West End.htm


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This was also recently removed in the renovation of Leicester Square.

http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/rights-managed/DV002125/neon-signs-on-the-empire-cinema



Redevelopment of the Regent Palace Hotel at Piccadilly Circus

http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-photo/elyse.../europe-2006/1138917180/img_1388.jpg/tpod.html[/QUOTE]

 

[erbse]

Quite a pity, really. Neon (or any electronic signage for that matter) is an expression of urban beauty and vitality. Someone should stop this trend! Perhaps they could be replaced by more efficient LED lights that imitate that futuristic glowing look that Neon features.

 

[Suburbanist]

Two different issues: neon use and cleaning up a seedy area.

The former is not bad on itself although neon lights offer a lot of danger for people manipulating them.

The latter is positive: cities should clean up area where lawlessness is practiced or tolerated or evoked. Otherwise, it is just hypocrisy (we don't allow it on the books but everybody will turn a blind eye).

I also don't understand these people saying that activities controlled by gangs and full of organized crime behind it make a place "cool".

 

[pesto]

Two different issues: neon use and cleaning up a seedy area.

The former is not bad on itself although neon lights offer a lot of danger for people manipulating them.

The latter is positive: cities should clean up area where lawlessness is practiced or tolerated or evoked. Otherwise, it is just hypocrisy (we don't allow it on the books but everybody will turn a blind eye).

I also don't understand these people saying that activities controlled by gangs and full of organized crime behind it make a place "cool".

The burning social and ethical issues of our time:
Legalize prostitution?
Leagalize drugs?
Legalize neon?

 

[the spliff fairy]

yep we all know the dangers of neon. Just looking at a sign will make you have the urge to do crack with a prostitute.

 

[Dallas star]

yep we all know the dangers of neon. Just looking at a sign will make you have the urge to do crack with a prostitute.

this.

 

[the spliff fairy]

Yeah, great thanx for that. I like potatoes.