Central London retailers face a fresh bout of misery this month as a visit by US President George W Bush threatens to propel the capital into chaos.
Anti-war campaigners are planning mass demonstrations, and policing concerns could cast doubt on the switch-on date of the famous Oxford Street Christmas lights.
The lighting-up ceremony on November 21 had been scheduled to avoid clashing with Bush's visit and creating a strain on police resources.
However, a change to the timing of Bush's visit - he will now still be in Britain on November 21 - has raised the possibility that the police may request a change of date to avoid big crowds in central London and the associated security risks.
Retailers have been told to put out their rubbish at 8pm on November 21, rather than 6.30pm to prevent unnecessary security alerts.
However, Oxford Street Association director Sally Humphreys said she has not yet been asked to shift the timing of the Christmas lights ceremony, which will take place outside the John Lewis flagship with Enrique Iglesias.
Humphreys was confident the display would go ahead 'no matter who else was in London'.
The Stop the War Coalition is mobilising for massive anti-Bush protests in the capital, and a central London demonstration is planned on November 20. A spokeswoman said more than 100,000 people are expected to throng the streets.
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