Any one familiar with the East End of London will be aware of its extraordinary diversity. One of the finest examples of this is Queens Market, Upton Park, a historic street market that attracts people from all over London and beyond. The market is a lively and thriving community that furnishes its customers with a wealth of goods and it is particularly popular with refugees. Affordable fruit and vegetables make it of added value and there is no doubt that this public space plays a valuable role in the mental well-being of people who might otherwise me isolated from people from their own ethnic background.

The market is in need of certain improvemkents, particularly in relation to the lighting and cleaning regime, yet instead of making these the local borough council has opted for seeking redevelopment. The London Borough of Newham have already chosen St Modwen as their preferred developers and are eager to see ASDA move in on the site. Stephen Timms MP and Tony Banks MP have made no effort to counter the moves being made by ASDA. Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham is personally championing the "re-development" and the one Labour Councillor who showed signs of independent thought on this issue was threatened with suspension from the Labour Party. The Robinocracy that is Newham Council is intent on destroying this vibrant market. The Wal-Mart juggernaut continues to role, but local people are heartened by the STOP ASDA CAMPAIGN in Swansea which has already proved that people power can stop the seemingly unstoppable.