Whatever happened to initiative, self-reliance, capitalistic opportunism and hard work bringing its own rewards in This England' (Weed out rose sellers', Hendon Times, November 1)?

For well over a year and in some of the worst gales and lashing rain, the flower lady stood at the traffic lights in Golders Green/North Circular Road junction, selling her very reasonably-priced roses to passers-by.

She harmed nobody, smiled at everyone and saved many a forgetful husband, homebound without a peace offering.

Where do those aggrieved retailers (if they exist) think that the 'rogue traders' spend the money they earn? As for causing hold-ups, what a load of tosh. We are stationary most of the time anyway. Now that the full force of the London Borough of Barnet has descended on her, in the form of £1,000 fines for the heinous crime of bringing a little cheer on otherwise miserable days, does the traffic now flow unhindered through the junction? Does it hell.

Go and have a look.

Geoff Bradley

Parkway, Temple Fortune

November 7, 2001 18:35