As with many commercial areas around the UK, Bayswater's businesses are under pressure. We are faced with increasing competition from nearby neighbours such as Westfield, The West End and Notting Hill/ Kensington. They are working hard to get their act together too and see our customers as a very attractive market to access and absorb. The Internet also continues to tease sales from high street shops all over the country and despite the huge influx of tourists into Bayswater, spending generally is declining as the global recession bites hard into disposable income.

Shoppers here complain about the cost of public transport, parking charges and the shortage of spaces on busier days. Careless on-street parking hampers deliveries and public transport, causing congestion, frustration and occasional accidents. Theft, violence and anti-social behaviour are constant challenges too with teenagers from adjacent boroughs travelling to inflict mischief locally, especially in the lighter evenings.

We need to join forces to promote Bayswater to residents and to a wider audience as a fabulous place in which to live, work, shop, relax and do business successfully and harmoniously, making the most of the different ethnic cultures that are concentrated here.