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The Reader: A bold new look, and we’re raising our standards all the time

Changes: we have responded to readers' comments on our crossword page (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images): In Pictures via Getty Images
Changes: we have responded to readers' comments on our crossword page (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images): In Pictures via Getty Images

I enjoy reading the Evening Standard and find the newspaper very informative. However, I would like to comment on some of the changes to the paper in its new format.

Completing the crossword puzzles, Quick and Easy, is always a challenge but I now find it very hard to read “Yesterday’s Solutions”. Previously the solutions were printed small but just readable — the new print has been reduced to microscopic. Plenty of room in the paper has been given to battleships but ridiculous print for the solutions.

Please return them to the large print. I also like to read the business page and follow the share prices. Again, the FTSE 100, which previously was printed on a normal white background, is now highlighted on a blue background that is hard to read. Can it please be returned to its white background?
Leonard Abrahams

I’m so glad to see my favourite crossword in bigger font. It’s such a delight to many senior citizens and those struggling with poor eyesight.

I was equally pleased with the horoscopes, they are well set out and easy to read.

I like your new puzzle about underground stations though I find it a bit tough and can only manage one or two. Do keep it up.
Khandu Mistry

EDITOR'S REPLY

Dear Leonard and Khandu,

Thank you for your letters. This newspaper exists for its readers, and clearly there’s a problem if you can’t actually read what is written! So I’ve taken on board your complaints that the size of the answers to our crossword puzzles are too small, and you’ll find they are printed in a bigger easier-to-read font. We’ve achieved that by moving London Calling, our new strip cartoon by Kipper Williams, to this letters page. It’s already building up a fan base, and I think our dry daily take on some of the absurdities of life in the capital deserves more prominence. We’ll still start the week with Charlotte Reed’s May the Thoughts Be With You to get you thinking about what really matters on a Monday.

Finally, Khandu, I’m glad you’re enjoying our new Tube game. If you found every one easy it wouldn’t be worth doing. Our job is to entertain, inform and challenge you. With your help, we will continue to do that.

George Osborne, Editor

Banksy works continue to fascinate

When one of Banksy’s creations was secretly installed in a British Museum gallery in 2005 it made news headlines around the world. Thirteen years later and interest in that same artwork hasn’t waned, as we discovered this week when we announced it would be returning to us for display in The Citi exhibition I Object: Ian Hislop’s search for dissent. Why do works that subvert (in this case, the process by which institutions collect and display objects) hold so much fascination? It’s because challenging and poking fun at authority is important.

As we welcome back Banksy’s Peckham Rock, this time with open arms, we are reminded that the ability to challenge, question or even to laugh in the face of authority is to be embraced.
Tom Hockenhull
Curator, British Museum

Enfield council

There has not been a “coup” at Enfield council Labour Group [“Labour turmoil as ‘coups’ oust two council leaders”, May 15]. There has been an election, which takes place every year and involves voting in a secret ballot. Enfield residents who voted for a Labour council can be assured that the new leader will deliver on manifesto commitments.
Mary Maguire
Labour councillor, Enfield