Traders hit out at further delays (From Harrow Times)

Traders hit out at further delays

9:42am Thursday 17th July 2008

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WEALDSTONE traders are becoming frustrated that work on the main shopping street has still not been completed.

Improvements to High Street, Wealdstone, were originally meant to have been finished in May this year, but in the middle of July, roadworks are still ongoing and the road is not open to traffic.

Milan Shah, vice chairman of the traders' association, said: "You can't see the end of this. We were hoping it would be finished by the beginning of summer trading, and we just want them to get the job done quicker."

The improvements, authorised by Harrow Council, are intended to help the traders in Wealdstone and regenerate the area.

They have been delayed twice already, and traders have been sent leaflets telling them it would be open at the start of this month.

But more than two weeks after the revised deadline, there are still barriers in place and holes in the road.

Ahmed Hadhoud, who runs Delight café, said: "We thought it was good news, they have spent a lot of money on it.

"But all the work is adding cosmetic value, and I don't even know if it is going to be better when they eventually finish."

Mr Hadhoud said the disruption, noise and vibrations from the roadworks have affected his business and he is now thinking about selling up.

The council believes opening High Street to traffic, for the first time in more than ten years, will mean shoppers will be encouraged to go through, stop, and shop in Wealdstone.

But a recent council decision has thrown the future of the shopping area into jeopardy once more.

The first hour free parking in Peel House car park will be scrapped in September, as the council aims to generate £22,000 in revenue.

Bhupendra Patel, owner of Good News Convenience Store, said: "I think it will take a lot of time to build up again.

"The noise has put people off coming this way and they have got used to going round."

Mr Hadhoud agreed, saying: "Lots of businesses have already shut down and taking away the parking is another blow."

Councillor Susan Hall, in charge of environment services, apologised for the delays, which have been caused by a gas main replacement and installation of Transport for London signals.

She said: "There have been delays in completing the roadworks on Wealdstone High Street and we are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused motorists and businesses.

"The contractors are now back on site and we aim to get the work completed and the road reopened by Friday, August 9."

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