16/2/81: The sorry state of Soho (The Observer)

On Sunday 16 February 1981 The Observer featured an article lamenting the sorry state of the London district of Soho. The article by Patrick O'Donovan stated that the once "charming and graceful" area now has "more than 160 shops and establishments devoted to fringe sex and titillation".

pic.: Photoshot/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

O'Donovan goes on to blame the civic authorities such as Westminster City and the Greater London Council for the demise since they were the ones who licences the "massage parlours and saunas" and other "places of entertainment" in Soho.

On Valentine's Day 2006, a campaign was launched to drive business back into the heart of Soho. The campaign, called I Love Soho, was backed by the former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, the Soho Society, Westminster Council and Visit London.


source: Observer archive (guardian.com)


Also on this day:

BBC Radio 1 John Peel show:
- first play of The Human League's new single 'Boys and Girls'
- first transmission of New Order session
- first play of Simple Minds' new single 'Celebrate'