'It's like a hurricane passing through' (From Harrow Times)

'It's like a hurricane passing through'

2:40pm Sunday 21st September 2008

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TRADERS across the borough are struggling to cope as economic forecasts continue to predict hard times.

With the banking industry in crisis and the credit crunch hitting spending, many small businesses are finding it hard maintain sales figures and keep the profits flowing in.

Milan Shah, vice chairman of Wealdstone Traders' Association, said: “There is a concern. Business is hard. It's like a hurricane passing through.

“I think once it's gone things will come back to normal but small shop keepers have tried to find new products and new customers. At the moment everyone in Wealdstone has to worry.”

Slow business is also hitting shops in North Harrow where owners have been desperately hoping a big supermarket will open nearby to bring people into the area.

Latha Karthirkamathamby, of North Harrow Traders' Association, said: “I think the forecast for the next 18 months is we won't really see any improvement.

“The government isn't helping anyone and the council isn't helping anyone either. I don't think it's going to improve at all.”

But some people are a little more optimistic.

Mr Shah said: “I think things will get better in a year or so. The credit crunch is hurting everyone.

“Personally I think it's hurting more for the people who bought their houses a year ago and have big credit card debts. But we've reached the bottom now, I think things will start to improve.”

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