A HARROW MP said a new discount store in South Harrow was a sign of healthier times for businesses in the area.

Gareth Thomas, Labour MP for Harrow West, helped to open Pound or Two which has moved into the former Woolworths premises in Northolt Road.

After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, he said: “This is a great signal of the future health of South Harrow.

“This store reopening will help other businesses in South Harrow, making the area so much more viable by giving another reason to come to the area to shop.

“It is just fantastic to see this store back open with lots of people from South Harrow in here.”

The new store is a family-run business part owned by European Finance House, a subsidiary of the Qatar Islamic Bank, which provides Shari'a compliant financing and investment for Islamic and non-Islamic businesses.

If the South Harrow venture is a success, there are plans for more Pound or Two stores across London.

Aly Valliani, managing director of the new store, said his family, who are from Croxley, want to offer goods to South Harrow shoppers that are not available at other stores.

He said: “The supplier we are working with doesn't supply the kinds of products we have to anyone else in the area.

“We have a lot of Halal products, so when Muslim people come in they buy with complete confidence.”

The new store has also retained a pick 'n' mix stall, a notable feature of the now defunct Woolworths brand.

Dorothy Sarpong, 45, of Brookside Close, parked outside the new shop and came in to have a look around.

She said: “There is a bit more variety than there used to be at Woolworths and it used to be more expensive. “It's good to see this shop open.”