So the Highgate Society, in its ongoing campaign to banish the estate agents from the "village", thinks a survey will do the trick, and so polls the residents. We're not so sure it's helped. According to this, only 16% wanted to see fewer estate agents on the High Street. What's more, the overall response to being given a say has been less than charitable... and resulted in the selection of a brand new target for a brand new hate campaign. This time? Charity shops.

Luke O'Toole, a volunteer at the Cancer Research UK shop in Highgate High Street said he was very surprised by the finding. He said: "Business here is going very well, so it seems a bit strange. I certainly don't see why there should be fewer charity shops. Most people seem very happy with what we are doing and we offer a good service."

Parkheath estate agents - Highgate's final straw [January 9]
Evict the estate agents of Highgate [December 16]