Letter: Missing numbers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Having, not for the first time, paraded up and down a London street today trying to find where I was, may I raise the question of names and numbers? As I understand it, the Towns Improvement Clauses Act of 1847, Section 64 compels an occupier of a property within one week after notice from the local authority to put a number on his house, or to replace it if it has been obliterated. If he fails to do so, he can be fined, and must repay the expense of the local authority for doing the job for him. The same Act, I believe, requires the local authority to 'cause all houses and buildings to be marked with numbers as they think fit'.
The English seem to regard the marking of street numbers and names with complete indifference. I can think of no other civilised country with the same attitude. Finding a building in New York is so simple a child could do it; here, it is often next to impossible.
The question with regard to London is, of course, who is now responsible, since it is a city without a governing body.
Yours faithfully,
DEREK PARKER
London, W14
6 April
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments