Suhail Rahuja
Suhail Rahuja has lived in the Bayswater area for the last ten years. For the last four years, he has served as a Bayswater councillor.
"I am proud to represent Bayswater. It's a fantastic area. It is one of the most vibrant areas in Westminster and represents what is great about Westminster and London" said Suhail. "We have people from all walks of life. That's what makes Bayswater unique", he added.
He has worked hard to represent residents' views on licensing, roadworks and planning. Suhail pointed out that, "I often get stopped by residents on Westbourne Grove to chat about what is happening in Bayswater. I am always ready to meet and listen to residents' views."
One key initiative Suhail has being working on with the other Bayswater councillors is to distribute the Bayswater ward budget. The ward budget is a £100,000 pot of money that the Bayswater Tory councillors have the power to spend as they see fit on local Bayswater issues.
"It was fascinating listening to residents on what they wanted the ward budget spent on. At area forums, at residents' meetings, on the street, everyone had a view", Suhail commented.
Suhail has focused on working with the DePaul Trust, which is based in Bayswater and runs a hostel for at-risk teenagers. "What came across loud and clear was residents' desire to give teenagers something positive to do with their time". As part of the ward budget, Depaul Trust was given a grant to help teenagers find work placements. "It was very satisfying to see how we could translate residents' desires into something worthwhile", Suhail added.
One particular concern of Suhail's has been the impact of the credit crunch on local Bayswater businesses. That's why he has worked with his colleagues to set up a Bayswater Business Improvement District. This will act as a catalyst and forum in which Bayswater businesses can get together to improve the look and feel of Bayswater as a shopping area.
Suhail said, "It's clear that Bayswater has been hit with the rest of London from the recession and that's why Bayswater Tories are determined to help local businesses to get back on their feet."