Dear Mayor John Biggs,

We are writing to you in support of the pedestrianisation of Brick Lane. We do not want to undermine the consultation currently taking place - it is right that you poll people on their general opinions of the scheme. Instead, we want to provide extra data which will allow you to take an informed decision on this scheme.

All those who have signed this letter would visit Brick Lane more if it was pedestrianised. We know that boosting footfall in the area is a key aim of yours, so proving that this aim would be met is an important factor to take into consideration.

We know that there is research which shows that making destinations nicer to walk in encourages more footfall - an increase of roughly 40% - but we also know that every street is different. The high number of signatures to this letter proves that this would be the reality in Brick Lane as well.

Boosting footfall is particularly crucial as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Every name on this letter helps to achieve this. We all value the increased space, reduced danger and more relaxed atmosphere that pedestrianisation will produce. We look forward to dining outside restaurants, visiting shops and enjoying the historic surroundings.

We hope that this data will reassure you that, if you choose to pedestrianise Brick Lane, you are doing the right thing for the area.

Yours,