Kishore, 67 owner of Popatlal Hirji and Sons, a jewellery store on Belgrave Road

I have customers coming from as far as Manchester and Sheffield who come to buy gold during the period between the light switch on and the Diwali day. Some make special appointments to pick it on Diwali day. Gold always appreciates in value, there is no denying that. Nothing has changed for us. Only the trends and designs have. The older generation bought jewellery but the younger generation are more conscious of the designs and they prefer to invest in bars. Our business has been going strong for the last 30 years and unlike other businesses in the area, I don’t feel threatened at all. The saree business next door is feeling the pinch with rumours about the Diwali light switch on not going ahead but I am not worried.

Owner Kavya Fashions, 50+

I have been here since 2011 and have another shop down the road. It is a nightmare if the Light switch on and the Diwali celebrations do not go ahead. Much of our business happens then and it will severely affect us. The council wants us to pitch in with the costs and it is unfair. The council makes a lot of money too. They are waiting till July 4, seeing who comes into power and that means the time is ticking because the cleaning and the security guys need a 6 month contract to get it all sorted well in time for the Diwali celebrations. It is crazy really.

PriceWise owner in his 60s not wishing to named.

We sell Diwali fireworks too, so it is always busy around Diwali time. We do get a lot of time wasters too but then it is to be expected I suppose during such times. We have to bring in extra staff to manage the footfall then.