Letter: A visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury

Sir: I read with interest the front- page article 'Carey confuses Right and wrong' (19 May) by Andrew Brown on the archbishop's visit to the East End.

As a long-term tenant of Hillary House, which your reporter described as a shabby council block, I can only feel some sympathy with him and Dr Carey's travelling roadshow. With the lift being out of order, they were all forced to walk to the top for their visit, which I must add is closer to 12 flights of stairs than the seven stated. Perhaps the archbishop and his crowd of followers could spare a moment's prayer for those who live on the upper floors.

Despite yesterday's flying visit to denounce racism, I would like to point out that many of the problems are not caused by racists but by the junkies who infest the block from time to time, harassing all the tenants, be they Asian, white or Afro-Caribbean.

The only real change made during his visit yesterday was the fact that the estate cleaners who were vigorously sweeping the pavement were all wearing their uniforms. These were paid for by the council with taxpayers' money ( pounds 3,500 as stated in council forum papers) and it was nice to see them after 16 months. Was this on account of the archbishop's visit or because of the senior executives from Tower Hamlets Council who were in his entourage? Not to worry though, the T-shirts and jeans are back today.

Yours,

R. BEARDWELL

London, E14

19 May