'Street trading is all I have ever known'

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Peter has had this pitch since 1975. His father owned another pitch in Oxford Street which is now run by his brother. His niece has a pitch on North Audley Street. "Street trading is all I have ever known - it's my whole life. Recently the council has been making life very difficult for us all. My rent has doubled to £1,250 a month and I think that was a move to try and drive me out. These days I barely make enough to pay that rent and my one employee.

I'm sure this is all to do with the Olympics. The council has some stupid idea that Oxford Street will look a whole lot better without us."

Mark Impleton, 44, who owns Gourmet Wonder Waffle outside John Lewis

Mark has run his stall since he was 17 years old. "All the huts we operate from are shabby and rotting but the council will not give us planning permission to update them or change them. Meanwhile they complain that we look shabby. I have stuck to their rules, kept my plot tidy and paid my rent on time but my hands are being tied. It's bureaucracy gone mad."

Victoria Munro, 54, who sells handbags and pashminas on the junction of New Bond Street, by Next

The pitch was owned by her grandfather who sold fruit. It was passed down to her father, then to her.

"Passing on this pitch to my children was going to be part of their inheritance. It's a lucrative spot and would be a way for them to stay in the family business. If the council take that right away, everything I have ever worked hard for will be for nothing. I would be utterly devastated."