• FALLING footfall during day and night, fear of crime, an unattractive streetscape, and limited parking are leading to business failures and job losses in the Finchley Road.

One of the chief reasons is crime in its many forms. Traders face increasing shoplifting.

On February 5 I witnessed two young men running out of Waitrose with champagne and wine bottles, followed by a forlorn staff member who had to give up the chase.

The convenience store beside Finchley Road tube station had one unsuccessful break-in attempt followed a break- in some weeks later. This too is the experience at a wine and convenience store closer to Costa Coffee.

Moreover an upsurge in dangerous personal crime in the area has led to the closing of parts of Finchley Road to traffic and pedestrians, on multiple occasions, in recent months. Residents are understandably fearful of night-time shopping and dining. The result is falling trade.

Added to these issues are high rents and rates coming from the major landlord in the area, Camden Council. The future looks bleak.

Where is the helping hand of Camden, the major commercial landlord, with some responsibility for security in the area? The answer is nowhere to be seen. We deserve better.

DON WILLIAMS
Conservative Candidate for South Hampstead ward