Today we launch our Supporting Streatham High Road campaign, with the aim of helping make our high street a better place for traders, shoppers, residents and leisure users.

We will shine a light on the issues affecting our high street and hold councillors and council officers accountable for proposed changes to the town centre – and for a lack of action.

Additionally, we will champion businesses providing something unique for shoppers and ask them how they would change Streatham for the better.

High streets across the country are struggling to survive in the face of massive economic challenges – and Streatham High Road is no exception.

Rising rents coupled with declining footfall are also making it increasingly difficult for Streatham’s small businesses to stay afloat.

Streatham has also lost its ice rink and karting track, causing a further loss in visitors.

Last month, comedian Jo Brand caused a stir when she described the town as a ‘s*******’ on national television, leading the council to discipline its own town centre manager for defending Streatham following the outburst. We say that was unnecessary and Streatham has a lot to be positive about – and now is the time to start shouting about it together.

Already businesses have pledged their support for the campaign, offering to host meetings and creating special discount days on the high street.

And this week a resident has said he will start a weekly farmer’s market.

Additionally, there are a number of planning developments and business initiatives being planned, which will improve the high road. Until then, we hope our campaign will add focus to those in charge of making our high street great again.

As part of the campaign we will: Look at the influx of cash converters, betting shops and fried chicken shops and whether there should be a better selection of retailers in the High Road.

Help promote community events such as the Streatham Festival and Little Big Peace event.

Look at the Bid – the council’s plans to turn Streatham into a business improvement district.

Provide a voice for business owners who are concerned with the changing landscape of the High Road.

We need everyone who uses the High Road, residents, business owners and workers to get involved and help us put the street back into Streatham.

Get in touch and tell us your one idea for making the High Road better. We will then pass all of those on to the council, businesses and politicians.

Email your idea to newsdesk@streathamguardian.co.uk or tweet us via @streathamnews using the hashtag #oneidea